By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
Nobody is challenging Oliver’s mayor in the October 15 election, but eight people are running for council.
At the close of nominations on Sept. 9, the following people were listed as candidates for the office of councillor: Aimee Grice (incumbent), Kelly Long from Oliver, Leigh Lougheed from Oliver, David Mattes (incumbent), Terry Schafer from Oliver, Charles Simpson from Valemont, Keith Quesnelle from Oliver, and Petra Veintimilla (incumbent).
Acclaimed as water councillors are Rick Machial (incumbent) and Bhupinder Dhaliwal.
Johansen told the Times Chronicle that he was honoured when the people put their faith in him four years ago.
“I’m excited and energized to have the opportunity to continue in this role for a second term.”
Mattes said he is seeking another term because he offers sound judgment and strong financial management with the ability to see things in a different light.
“Council does have unfinished business that I would like to play a part in,” he said.
Grice said she loves working for the community and feels well equipped to advocate for the well-being of residents.
She noted that housing is and will continue to be top of mind for her in Oliver.
Seeking a third term on council, Veintimilla said it has been a pleasure serving the community for eight years.
“I am proud of many of our accomplishments and hope to have the opportunity to continue working hard on behalf of my fellow community members in this coming term.”
Schafer previously served four terms on Oliver council and is the former director of Electoral Area C. He also created Oliver’s We Care Society when he was Kinsmen president and co-founded the Restorative Justice program in Oliver.
“Things that worry me at the moment are the burgeoning homelessness and struggling food banks,” Schafer said.
Long said she has thought about running for councillor for quite a while.
“I finally thought it was time.”
The former graduate of Southern Okanagan Secondary School is an assistant librarian at the Oliver library.
Her volunteer work includes Communities for Kids, Festival of the Grape, and the Oliver Community Garden Society.
Long said she is open to new ideas and would like to address some maintenance concerns relating to current infrastructure in Oliver.
Quesnelle, who has a law enforcement background, wants to run for council to stay involved in the community and contribute what he can.
“I think it is important to have someone who is motivated with a fresh perspective along with a new voice and set of ears (on council) to help remind any re-elected councillors to keep current and continue to be forward thinking.”
Quesnelle, who calls himself tenacious, said he would like to put his background in security and law enforcement to use with respect to local crime rates and bylaws. He noted that crime is still the number one concern for Oliver residents.
Lougheed and Simpson could not be reached for comment by press time Tuesday.
