Some interesting races are shaping up throughout the Central Okanagan as the nomination period for the Nov. 15 municipal election has closed.
While the number of candidates running is down over previous years, the Kelowna election is punctuated by a six person race for mayor and a record two slates offering up candidates.
Just 31 people are running for one of eight councillor seats. Three years ago 40 people ran, while in 2008 33 offered up their names.
Here is the list of those seeking your votes for mayor, councillor and school trustee:
Mayor (elect one)
- Colin Basran
- Sam Condy
- Chuck Hardy
- James Murphy
- Kelly Row
- Sharon Shepherd
- Glendon Smedley
- Mark Thompson
Councillor (elect 8)
- Billie Aaltonen
- Ken Chung
- Cal Condy
- Maxine DeHart
- Ryan Donn
- Ken Finney
- Gail Given
- Michael Gorman
- Carol Gran
- Tracy Gray
- Charlie Hodge
- Beryl Itani
- Graeme James
- Rawle James
- Krista Jessacher
- Leslie Kendall
- Bobby Kennedy
- Mike McLoughlin
- Gwen Miles
- Alan Monk
- David Mossman
- Dale Olson
- Connor P.S. O'Reilly
- Mo Rajabally
- Brad Sieben
- Mohini Singh
- Derek (Red) Somer
- Luke Stack
- Laura Thurnheer
- Sean Upshaw
- Daylene Van Ryswyk
School Trustee (elect 4)
- Scott Aaltonen
- Nicholas Aubin
- Joyce Brinkerhoof
- Rolli Cacchioni
- Sharlene Drohomereski
- Chris Gorman
- Lee Mossman
- Peter Pagliocchini
- Murli Pendharkar
- Lee-Ann Tiede
In West Kelowna, a three person race is shaping up for mayor while 13 people have let their name stand for councillor - the same number as appeared on the ballot three years ago.
Mayor (elect 1)
- Doug Findlater
- Stephen Johnston
- Mary Mandarino
Councillor (elect 6)
- Joanne Baker
- Jon Peter Christoff
- Jerome Chung
- Rick de Jong
- Rusty Ensign
- David Knowles
- Tanya Lister
- Rosalind Neis
- Duane Ophus
- Gary Stabb
- Mike Trenn
- Bryden Winsby
- Carol Zanon
School Trustee (elect 1)
- Julia Fraser
- Pomponio, Tina
In the District of Peachland, incumbent mayor, Keith Fielding has a race on his hands with no less than 4 challengers for the municipality's top seat.
Another nine are vying for one of the six councillor seats.
Mayor (elect 1)
- Keith Fielding
- Cindy Fortin
- Eric Hall
- Ernie Hurd
- Bruce Letendre
Councillor (elect 6)
- Terry Condon
- Pam Cunningham
- Allan Holender
- Mike Kent
- Eldon Kerbes
- Vern Moberg
- Peter Schierbeck
- Keith Thom
- Mario Vucinovic
In Lake Country, the only municipality with a ward system in BC, Matt Vader is running unopposed in the Carr's Landing ward.
Vader will take Barbara Leamont's seat at the council table.
All other seats are being contested including the mayor's chair where incumbent James Baker is being opposed by Kelowna realtor, Jayson McCarthy.
Mayor (elect 1)
- James Baker
- Jayson McCarthy
Okanagan Centre (elect 1)
- Lisa Cameron
- Blair Ireland
Oyama (elect 1)
- Owen Dickie
- Keli Westgate
Winfield (elect 1)
- Rob Geier
- Randy Rose
At Large (elect 2)
- Arlene Brenner
- Penny Gambell
- Richard Issler
- Don Rae
- Bill Scarrow
In the Regional District of Central Okanagan there will be just one race, that for Director in the Central Okanagan West Electoral area.
Incumbent Patty Hansen is running unopposed in the Central Okanagan East Electoral area, while incumbent school trustees Deb Butler (Lake Country/Okanagan East) and Moyra Baxter (Peachland/Okanagan West) will be elected by acclamation.
Regional District Director - Central Okanagan West Electoral Area (elect 1)
- Wayne Carson
- Marsali MacIver
- Eric Von Krosigk
Regional District Director - Central Okanagan East Electoral Area (elect 1)
- Patty Hanson
School District No. 23 Zone 1 Trustee (elect 1)
- Deb Butler
School District No. 23 Zone 2 Trustee (elect 1)
- Moyra Baxter
Candidates have until next Friday, Oct 17 at 4 p.m. to have their names removed from the ballot. Once that date is past, the ballot becomes official.
In the case of acclaimed races, if a candidate does pull out for whatever reason, a brief call for nominations can be instituted.
Election Day is Saturday, Nov 15.
Candidates running in each of the Okanagan elections is invited to send a 90 second video stating their platform and reasons for running to [email protected].
Videos will be posted as they come in.