By Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
Four newcomers have entered the municipal election race in the Town of Oliver.
The nomination period closed today at 4 p.m., so here is the slate of candidates (based on information from the Town’s website):
Incumbent Mayor Ron Hovanes will be challenged by Martin Johansen, while David Machial and Parminder Sidhu are seeking a water councillor position currently held by Andre Miller and Rick Machial, who are both seeking to retain their seats.
For councillor, Dermott Hutton and Aimee Grice are taking on incumbents Larry Schwartzenberger, Maureen Doerr, Dave Mattes and Petra Veintimilla.
Doerr, who was not included in this week’s election story, said she’s running again to continue the momentum that was started with the hotel development.
“Moving forward, I would like to see more progress in revitalizing our downtown.”
Doerr said in the midst of a national RCMP shortage, Oliver sits anxiously awaiting the province to disperse the previously approved two additional RCMP officers to help settle the angst about the rise in crime.
“Until our recruits are released to us, bylaw enforcement is our avenue to help combat this issue. By adding more hours to bylaw we will have more officers at varied hours of the day.”
Doerr said she would like to focus on the many positive aspects that Oliver has to offer.
“Despite the recent spike in property crime stemming from a nation- wide opioid crisis, Oliver is a town-going-on-city that deserves to be promoted in a positive manor.”
The election campaign period is from Sept. 22 to Oct. 20 (day of voting). Advanced voting day is Oct. 10, and special voting day is Oct. 17 for residents of Sunnybank Centre and South Okanagan General Hospital.
The deadline for filing financial statements is January 18, 2019.
