Creston Valley voters can expect to see some familiar names when they step into the ballot booth on Nov. 15.
Creston Mayor Ron Toyota and two of the three local Regional District of Central Kootenay directors have confirmed their intention to seek re-election.
Only one town councillor, Judy Gadicke, has stated she will not run in an election that will see local government representatives elected to four-year terms instead of the traditional three. The change is intended to bring local government elections in line with provincial elections and is a cost-saving move.
Gadicke, who topped the polls in her two election wins, said her priorities have shifted.
“Besides my two teaching jobs, I have a grandchild now that I want to spend time with when I can,” she said. “I have also discovered the art of lampworking, working with glass, and I love being in my studio.
“I totally support Ron Toyota as mayor. He is a gentleman, a wonderful ambassador for our community, thoughtful, well spoken, intelligent and is always working to better our community.”
“I have truly enjoyed my two terms as mayor of Creston and I believe I still have a lot to offer,” said Toyota. “We have accomplished a lot, not only as a council, but by working in concert with regional directors to make the Creston Valley an even better place to live.”
Veteran councillor Joanna Wilson will be making a run for a fourth term after serving previously on the School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) board.
“Having served three consecutive terms, I feel there is work to do and contributions still to make,” she said. “I would continue my support of the arts, cultural events, affordable housing, downtown enhancement, environmental issues, quality of life and lifestyles for all of us.”
Another veteran, Wesly Graham, has announced that he will be running for a position on Cranbrook’s city council. He has relocated to Cranbrook after taking a job in MP David Wilks’ office.
“I have no comment at this time. The official announcement date is some time away,” Scott Veitch replied when asked about his intentions. He was elected to his first term on council in 2011.
Another veteran, Jerry Schmalz, did not respond to requests for a comment on his plans.
Two-term councillor Tanya Wall has not ruled out a run to retain her council seat, but confirmed her intention to seek election as Area B director. She has been serving as incumbent John Kettle’s alternate for the last year.
“I am running for Area B,” she said on Monday. “My heart is a little torn — part of me still wants to be a councillor as there are still projects we have been working on.
“Can I do both? That is a tough question,” she admitted. “I don’t know what the public perception would be.”
After a dozen years representing Area B, the last several as RDCK chair, John Kettle still isn’t 100 per cent certain he is stepping aside.
“For the past twelve years I have on the occasion of each election voiced my thoughts about not running,” he said. “I have done this four times and four times I have been a successful candidate for office. I am now 67 years old, rounder than Jabba the Hut and have trouble driving at night, especially over the Salmo-Creston summit.
“In consultation with my wife, family, grandkids (nine) and my doctor, I have been advised I may want to think about smelling the roses before I begin pushing up daisies. That being said, Oct. 10, 2014 is the last day I can file for this election. So, in all honesty, I am working on my political ‘bucket list’ and hope to have it completed before that date so I won’t be tempted to file again. We’ll see you on the 11th of October for the answer.”
Two-term Area C director Larry Binks has confirmed his intention to run again on Nov. 15.
“I enjoy what I am doing and I have projects on the go that I would like to see to fruition,” he said.
Among those projects, he said, are creating a sustainable Creston Valley Wildlife Interpretation Centre plan, completing the Nicks Island water system and helping the community trails group establish trails in Area C.
“I have great support from my constituents and I enjoy the interaction, especially with the agricultural community.”
Area A director Garry Jackman also wants to stay on the job for another four years.
“I am still enjoying the work and I believe I have been able to assist in many successes,” he said.