NEWSMAKERS 2014: Out with the old, in with the new

Not every municipal election would qualify for a newsmaker, but Penticton voters didn't just elect a new mayor, they gave it an overhaul and that's good for number three on our list.

With former Mayor Gary Litke deciding not to run after a tumultuous time in the big chair, long-time councillor John Vassilaki losing in his bid for mayor and Coun. Katie Robinson feeling the sting of voter outrage, the council table lost 31 years of experience in one night.

In the last term, councillors just couldn’t stay out of trouble, whether it was regrettable comments, an expensive loss in its fight with the Penticton Hospitality Association or using a high-priced lawyer to threaten an outspoken citizen.

The weakness showed in the election with two councillors challenging the mayor — who then opted not to run — and Vassilaki revealing perhaps more cracks in the foundation of city politics.

So now we have a new mayor, and plenty of new blood on council hoping for some new leadership at City Hall. We all hope so, because this time it’s a long four-year term.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.