Oliver Municipal Election – The Times Chronicle is pleased to bring you the first of a four-part all-candidate Q&A for the upcoming municipal elections for Osoyoos and Oliver town councils on Oct. 15. Candidates appear in alphabetical order and responses are limited to 80 words per question. The position of Mayor in Oliver is by acclamation and two candidates dropped out of the race after registering: Leigh Lougheed in Oliver and Amanda Hilario in Osoyoos.
Aimee Grice – Councillor incumbent
Aimee Grice – Councillor incumbent
Q1: I am a passionate advocate for the residents of Oliver. I am a wife and mother of two lovely children. My son, Owen is in high school at SOSS and my daughter, Therese attends OES. I am currently the House Manager and Marketing and Promotions Coordinator at Venables Theatre. To learn more about myself and my goals for the next term please visit www.aimeeforoliver.weebly.com.
Q2: I always aim to look at decisions at the council table through an equitable lens. The old school train of thought is that the role of a councillor is limited to matters of roads, water and sewer. Things have changed and many responsibilities have been downloaded onto municipalities. I use this challenge as an opportunity to address the social concerns of the residents of Oliver.
Kelly Long – Councillor candidate Kelly Long – Councillor candidate Q1: Kelly Long is a long-time resident of Oliver. She is an Assistant Community Librarian for the Okanagan Regional Library serving the community of Oliver for 19 years. Over the years Kelly has volunteered on several boards and community events. She is a lifelong learner expanding her knowledge and experiences through her career, education, and travel, she is a hiker, cyclist, and adventure traveller. She enjoys learning about different communities and continually looking for new ideas to benefit the town of Oliver. Q2: My unique skills that I would bring to council are my library research skills and work experience by means of helping my community to navigate the library’s resources and give guidance on technology and community information. Kelly is dedicated to helping others and supporting their various needs. I have a great ability for problem-solving and finding solutions to help others. I have a vested interest in improving my community in which I live.
Dave Mattes – Councillor incumbent Dave Mattes – Councillor incumbent Q1: I am a long-time resident of Oliver. I was born here in 1957 and have resided here most of my life. Over the years I have owned and operated several successful businesses here. Although I am “retired,” I remain involved in business as a silent partner, downtown building owner and small property developer. I love the amenities and lifestyle Oliver offers and enjoy golf, hunting, hiking, and curling among other things. I have been fortunate enough to have travelled extensively. Q2: If I were to say I had one unique thing to bring to Council, it would be an ability to see things differently. Differently in the sense of asking questions that others don’t see and having creative solutions to problems. Differently in the way of seeing and understanding many points of view. Differently in being able to change my point of view when better choices are offered. I bring experience, having been your Council representative for eight years.
Keith Quesnelle – Councillor candidate Keith Quesnelle – Councillor candidate Q1: My name is Keith, I live in Oliver with my amazing wife Karen and our little pup Baxter. I truly enjoy being involved in the communities I live in. I am hard working, diligent, tenacious and above all enthusiastic. My philosophy is and has always been, in business and life, when something needs to get done then, together “let’s get it done” and is why I have chosen that to be my campaign slogan. Q2: Council members are asked to represent Oliver citizens on various boards and committees. Committees such as Community Safety and Crime Prevention, Municipal Insurance Association and budgets, etc. With an extensive background in law enforcement, protective services, insurance and business management I hope to add my knowledge and experience in these areas, as well as others, to our town council.
Terry Schafer – Councillor candidate Terry Schafer – Councillor candidate Q1: I’m Terry Schafer. Four generations of my family have called Oliver home, from my parents to our grandkids already off to college. I was first elected to Oliver Town Council in 1996 after many years of volunteering and fundraising for CF, MS and cancer research. As Oliver Kinsmen president I created a presidents’ club that formed the We Care Society. Q2: I’m not sure if ‘experience’ is unique but I have 20 years of it in local government. I appreciate the ‘local’ in local government because it’s the level of government that’s closest to the people. I’ve cherished my years of community engagement and the one thing that is unique is that I’m now retired and have way more time to be involved.
Charles Simpson – Councillor candidate Charles Simpson – Councillor candidate Q1: Hello, I am Charlie Simpson. I grew up on a farm in the Robson Valley. I am a qualified electrician having spent my life working on both sides of the Rockies and occasionally abroad. As someone who knows farm life, small towns and city lights I have had experience with industry and a variety of cultures and communities along the way. This has given me an informed perspective I wish to share. Q2: Great weather and irrigation have given Oliver the tools to turn this desert oasis into Canada’s Wine Capital. I will expand on this and create sustainable energy through biogas, plastics recycling and possibly micro hydro. Creating energy from our waste is possible and should also be profitable. Through consultation with you I would hope that we can build sustainable energy that helps us all.
Petra Veintimilla – Councillor incumbent Petra Veintimilla – Councillor incumbent Q1: I have been an active volunteer in the community for years, including two terms as Chamber president. I am an engaged businessperson, part of the 3rd generation in a family business that has stood the test of time in town for nearly 50 years. I am the very proud mom of two active boys, the youngest of whom was 10 months old when I first put my name forward and was elected in 2014. Wow, time flies! Q2: I am continuously looking for ways to educate myself on how to be a better, more effective councillor. I am engaged, I listen, I process, and I make decisions based on facts and with compassion while considering the needs of both our current community and the community that we are building together for future generations. I take this position and the responsibility that comes with it seriously.
