By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
The Town of Oliver’s new municipal council was officially sworn in Monday night.
The inaugural meeting saw Terry Schafer and incumbents Petra Veintimilla, Dave Mattes and Aimee Grice take their oath of office, along with Mayor Martin Johansen and water councillors Rick Machial and Pinder Dhaliwal.
Schafer told the Times Chronicle that it was nice to be back on council again.
“If it seems like, as Yogi Berra said, deja vu all over again, that’s okay. It feels good to be involved again.”
Schafer said life may have been on hold for a lot of people during the pandemic, but he’s hoping we have learned a lot and that life should get back to normal.
“Patience will be important,” he said.
Johansen said everyone at the table is dedicated to making Oliver a “spectacular” place to call home.
He also thanked all of the family members for their support in getting involved in local government, which he noted is time consuming and challenging.
“Your support is critical to the success of this council and much appreciated.”
The mayor said considering that the South Okanagan is one of the fastest growing regions in BC, council will have to work hard in the next four years to ensure Oliver continues to thrive.
Johansen said council will focus on a number of priorities as it develops a strategic plan. He noted that topics include affordable housing, community safety, healthcare, economic development, and climate change.
The mayor said council will ensure that its municipal assets are well maintained and that every dollar spent is well utilized.
In closing, Johansen said he is excited to work with council to ensure Oliver continues to be a people-first community where diversity is celebrated.
