Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes plans to throw his political hat into the election ring again.
“I have enjoyed my time on council and our present team has done a lot to make Oliver even more attractive to investment. I believe that I can still contribute to that team effort.”
Hovanes said Oliver is not a one-industry town and is blessed with a diverse economy.
He noted the present council has fostered a welcoming presence for all who wish to call Oliver home.
“I believe we continue to foster best practices and we have a reputation for being a settled community.”
The mayor said Oliver’s future is bright with a new school and the construction of the correctional centre.
“We still need more work for young families and attracting a hotel is always a priority.”
Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger has only been a member of council for seven months since elected in the by-election last September.
“There has certainly been a steep learning curve but I am really enjoying my work on council. I am grateful that the people of Oliver put their trust in me to represent them.”
Schwartzenberger said he intends to seek re-election.
“Oliver is a wonderful place to live, work, raise a family or retire, and I am excited about what the future holds for our great town.”
Councillor Jack Bennest has also expressed an interest in running again.
“I like the position – participating in governance is very rewarding.”
He said there are always future plans, and his focus is enhancing Main Street, attracting a hotel, expanding the airport and improving local campgrounds and parks.
Bennest said he will speak about these issues in the coming months.
Councillor Maureen Doerr is also seeking re-election because she enjoys her role at the council table. But three years is not enough time to address all of the issues, she admitted.
“In the first three years you are getting your feet wet and learning the ropes. Politics does not move at a fast pace . . . sometimes at a snail’s pace, so to see your projects come to fruition or even to be considered takes patience and perseverance.”
Doerr said there is much more she wants to do on council. She noted they have offered some innovative tax incentives for attracting new businesses, as well as established a parking bylaw for all new and existing businesses.
“ I also want to look at downtown revitalization along the lines of what Penticton is in the process of doing.”
Doerr said she would like to encourage businesses, citizens and politicians to be a part of the process.
“I feel that the community needs more than a facelift . . . it needs major surgery to get it back on its feet, and I am willing to work to make this happen.”
Doerr said council must listen to the stakeholders (the citizens), but it has to have the foresight to see into the future and determine what will work best despite potential conflict.
“The people around this council table believe strongly in Oliver and work extremely hard to make it a better place for all to enjoy and live.”
Councillor Dave Mattes has not confirmed whether he will run again, but said council still has plenty of projects and ideas to follow through on.
“Our success at those tasks will determine whether I run or not. The election is a long way off and all councillors should be focused on this term, not the next one.”
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
