municipal election

Konanz runs to keep her seat

PENTICTON - Helena Konanz says she wants to continue to improve Penticton’s economy and culture by continuing her reign on city council. "My portfolio for the past three years has been towards economic development and job creation, and I would like to continue to advocate for the business and manufacturing sector of our city for...

Homophobic, sexist Facebook comments sink Penticton mayoral campaign

PENTICTON – Just hours after announcing he was going to run for mayor in Penticton, Edson Chan withdrew from the race. The 26-year-old posted the news to the Facebook group Educate Encourage Empower #Penticton after members of the forum called him out for homophobic and sexist slurs on his personal Facebook page. In his post...

Tax watchdog running for re-election in Vernon

VERNON – Keeping an eye on how the City of Vernon spends property tax dollars has been Vernon councillor Bob Spiers mission from day one and he plans to continue the mission for another term. Spiers has announced he will run for re-election to council, ruling out a run for the mayor’s chair, which he...

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....

If Elvena Slump ran for council this would be her platform

PENTICTON - Elvena Slump made headlines last week after she received a legal threat from the city for emails she sent to city council and senior staff members about the roles of senior staff in city government. Slump is no stranger to municipal politics, running for a seat on city council herself in 2008. Even though...

How Penticton residents are changing the political landscape in town

PENTICTON - The political movers and shakers that started TimeForChangePenticton have introduced a more advanced campaign to support electoral candidates in the upcoming municipal election. The idea to start Vision Penticton was brewed up at a meet and greet held by TimeForChange organizers on Monday. Vision Penticton is like the “older sibling” to the original group,...

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...

Vernon mayor leaving the job to ‘someone a bit younger’

VERNON - A Vernon mayor praised for building relationships between local governments feels he’s finished what he started and is letting a younger person take the reigns. Rob Sawatzky, 62, has announced he won’t be seeking re-election this fall. He says he’s getting too old for the demands of the job and plans to spend...