By Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
Even though the municipal election is 10 months away, Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes and at least two other councillors are seriously considering running again.
“I would like to continue working for our community. It is very likely that I would let my name stand,” said Hovanes.
The mayor noted he still enjoys every day on council, even days with contentious issues. Why? Because he believes that council always has the best interests in the broader community and being part of that team has been extremely rewarding.
“Most every day I can return home saying that it has been a good day to be mayor and a part of our community’s governance team.”
Hovanes said Oliver has seen the benefit of a stronger economy, with new jobs, new investment and new citizens.
“I have always campaigned on building strong relationships so our community can always move forward. Our engagement with our citizens, volunteers, business and other levels of government is what makes Oliver such a great place.”
Councillor Petra Veintimilla said she has thoroughly enjoyed being on council these past three years.
“There was definitely a bit of a learning curve to get over,” she said, noting she hopes to continue learning the finer intricacies of being a part of council.
“I feel that I am over the biggest hump now.”
Veintimilla said the election is a few months away, but she looks forward to filing her papers this fall.
Councillor Maureen Doerr said she has not made a firm decision yet.
“The first part of 2018 will be the deciding factor.”
Fellow Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger said if the election was being held within the next couple of months, he would definitely be running.
“That being said, life often has other plans. Let me say then that if my personal and family life continues on the current path, I would strongly consider running for a council seat again.”
Schwartzenberger believes that Oliver will have a number of challenges ahead as council manages the town’s inevitable growth combined with aging recreational and institutional infrastructure.
“Council will need to plan for this growth and investment without heavily burdening our limited tax base.”
Schwartzenberger said he feels that council has done a good job managing growth and taxation, and he looks forward to continuing that work on Oliver’s new council.
