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John Vassilaki

Former councillor defines his legacy, offers advice for incoming politicians

After serving three terms on Penticton City Council, John Vassilaki figured it was time to step up or step out. That was Vassilaki’s reasoning behind his recent bid to win the mayor’s position in the November 15 municipal election, when he was defeated by Andrew Jakubeit. "After 12 years in office, I felt my only...

Outgoing council has tearful goodbye at last council meeting

PENTICTON - There were tears around the council table during the meeting Monday night as goodbye speeches were made by three outgoing members, all of whom have served Penticton for nearly a decade. Coun. John Vassilaki, who has been a councillor for twelve consecutive years, went first, listing council’s accomplishments over the years and giving...

ELECTION 2014: Jakubeit new mayor of Penticton

PENTICTON - The votes are in and Andrew Jakubeit is the new mayor of Penticton, beating out former councillor and colleague John Vassilaki and local businessman Jukka Laurio. Jakubeit won by more than 2,000 votes with a total of 5,126 votes.  “I just want to say thank you,” he said after the win. “The whole...

Get your questions ready for the mayoral candidate forum

PENTICTON - Mayoral candidates will take the stage this week to discuss their goals and answer citizens’ questions at a public forum. The forum, organized by the Chamber of Commerce and the Penticton Herald, will be held on Thursday Oct. 30, 2014 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Resort. Each candidate will...

Batman villains and zombie candidates: The Penticton election is getting kooky

PENTICTON - Growing frustrations with Penticton’s political landscape has inspired now two political lampoons, inspired by gold rush heroes and Batman villains. A poster of mayoral candidates depicted as villains from Batman showed up around town Tuesday, and ultimately made its way to Facebook. The poster shows Mayor Garry Litke as the Joker, Coun. Andrew...

This is who’s running for city council so far

PENTICTON - There is a growing list of candidates bidding for a spot on city council and there's still almost two months until ballots are cast. Coun. John Vassilaki and Coun. Andrew Jakubeit are both giving up their council seats for a chance at being mayor, and former councillor Wes Hopkin's seat is also vacant....

Councillors ‘think money grows on trees:’ Vassilaki

PENTICTON - While every member of city council has traveled to Whistler this week for the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention, Coun. John Vassilaki says they are wasting money by sending so many people to the same conference. Vassilaki, who announced his mayoral candidacy at the beginning of the month, says the cost for sending...

Vassilaki gunning for the hot seat

PENTICTON - From the steps of City Hall, Coun. John Vassilaki announced he will run for mayor in the upcoming municipal election and work to restore power back to the hands of city council. Recent issues, including the city’s lawsuit against the Penticton Hospitality Association, have cost taxpayers thousands of dollars. “And no one has...

Vassilaki considering trading his council seat for mayor

PENTICTON - Local businessman and city councillor John Vassilaki plans to run for mayor in the upcoming municipal election this fall. Vassilaki says he is considering running for mayor and will make a public announcement at the end of the month. He will have some competition for the hot seat, as current Mayor Garry Litke...

Seniors considered in new transit plans

PENTICTON - Councillors discussed the need for more public transit options at last night’s city council meeting, including increased evening hours and shorter wait times. Staff presented options for the new three-year contract with B.C. Transit that will run from 2015 to 2018. Options including extending certain routes, all night services and Sunday services. The...