Penticton city councillor to run for mayor

One-term Penticton city councillor Julius Bloomfield has announced he’s running for mayor.

The announcement was made this morning, Sept. 6, at a media event in Penticton, according to a news release.

Bloomfield will be running against incumbent Mayor John Vassilaki.

READ MORE: John Vassilaki expects to be re-elected mayor of Penticton

“Coming out of the pandemic, Penticton is in sort of a pivotal moment in time with several pressures on the city," Bloomfield said in the release.

"Those pressures include crime and community safety, pressure for development within the city, on the economy and the environment. I think it’s important that these issues are dealt with in a calm, thoughtful and moderate manner. I can bring those qualities to the table to help lead Penticton through these next four years.”

Bloomfield has lived in the South Okanagan since emigrating from England in 1988, the release said.

“Since living in the area, he has been involved with the Downtown Penticton Association and a member of the Penticton Urban Agriculture Association,” the release read.

One reason he would make an effective mayor is how he handles situations and manages time, the release said.

“I collect data on every issue," Bloomfield said. "I ponder it, consider it. I make decisions based on the data and thoughtful consideration. That’s one way that I can help and steer the community through the next four years.”

Vassilaki was elected mayor in 2018 and served four terms as a Penticton city councillor from 2002 to 2014.

At this point, Vassilaki is the only candidate for mayor to file nomination papers.

Five candidates have filed papers for the six city council positions. Only one incumbent, James Miller, has filed, so far.

The deadline for filing nomination papers is Friday at 4 p.m. Municipal election day is Oct. 15.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Rob Munro or call 250-808-0143 or email the editor. You can also submitphotos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.