With 3 1/3 months until B.C. municipalities hold civic elections, some Central Okanagan council incumbents are making their intentions known about seeking re-election.
But others are more circumspect, preferring to play their political cards closer to the vest. And, in a few cases, some say one thing, while doing something else.
The Capital News recently asked all incumbents on the Kelowna and West Kelowna councils about their political intentions concerning the impending Oct. 20 municipal election.
Since the 2014 election, the current Kelowna city council has attempted to live up to Mayor Colin Basran香蕉视频直播檚 election pledge to make Kelowna 香蕉视频直播渙pen for opportunity.香蕉视频直播�
Unlike previous Kelowna councils that were viewed by many to be either entirely focused on business or social issues but not both, the current council has attempted to do just that香蕉视频直播攂e a socially minded, pro-business council.
Council香蕉视频直播檚 Journey Home strategy to address homelessness, as well its healthy housing strategy, Imagine Kelowna visioning exercise, a push for more social housing, and moves to get developers to build more purpose-built apartment complexes have shown council香蕉视频直播檚 social side.
Continued approvals for a plethora of condo towers, support for projects like the Innovation Centre downtown, expansion and improvements to the airport and other economic development initiatives have shown its business side.
As for the incumbents, Basran has already publicly announced his bid for a second term.
Two veteran incumbent councillors, Luke Stack and Gail Given, even joined him on stage at his announcement last month to endorse his candidacy.
Stack says he plans to seek re-election, while Given could not be reached for comment as she is away until July 16.
Coun. Ryan Donn says he will run for re-election, while Coun. Tracy Gray and Coun. Mohini Singh both told the Capital News they are not ready to disclose their intentions, although Gray already has a website up called votetracygray.com on which she is seeking donations for her re-election bid.
Singh, who said she is 香蕉视频直播渓eaning on running,香蕉视频直播� has an election sign for herself on her Facebook page.
Coun. Brad Sieben said he has not decided yet if he will seek a second tern. He expects to make an announcement in August.
Coun. Charlie Hodge has said he香蕉视频直播檒l make his intentions known in September while Coun. Maxine DeHart said she is planning an announcement in the 香蕉视频直播渘ear future.香蕉视频直播�
In response to the Capital News asking about their re-election status, Kelowna incumbents said:
Mayor Colin Basran: 香蕉视频直播淎s announced, I will be seeking re-election as mayor. I am running again because I am really proud of the work council has done over the course of the term to build a vibrant, dynamic and progressive city. I want this momentum to continue over the next four years and will keep working to make sure that Kelowna is a place that everyone can call home and feel like they belong.香蕉视频直播�
Coun. Luke Stack: 香蕉视频直播淚 will be seeking re-election this fall to Kelowna city council. If elected, this will be my fourth term on council. I was first elected in 2008, re-elected in 2011 and once again in 2014. My priorities for this upcoming term will be to maintain stability on council. I want to encourage steady, healthy civic growth, expand and replace aging recreation facilities and, as always, promote affordable and rental housing.香蕉视频直播�
Coun. Ryan Donn: 香蕉视频直播淪erving Kelowna this term has been an honour I香蕉视频直播檒l always treasure. I香蕉视频直播檝e dedicated myself to learn the intricacies of our issues and the complexity of our journey forward. Many know I香蕉视频直播檓 also passionately committed to bringing the public along for the ride through social media. I believe that educated, informed and engaged citizens are key as we grapple with our next steps. I香蕉视频直播檓 running and asking Kelowna for the opportunity to continue serving you day by day for another four years. We are building a vibrant community for all and we香蕉视频直播檙e honestly just getting started.香蕉视频直播�
Coun. Mohini Singh: 香蕉视频直播淎t this stage, yes I am leaning on running for re-election. We have accomplished a lot this term and there is still a lot to do. Kelowna is experiencing tremendous growth and it doesn香蕉视频直播檛 appear it will slow down. I want to ensure we have a seasoned council that understands the dynamics and is well versed in the needs of our city. I am passionate about ensuring our city is the best mid-sized city in North America. The issues that I really would like to work on include social issues, affordable housing, a healthy agriculture sector and the creating a vibrant inclusive community which reflects the best of the Canadian multicultural spirit.香蕉视频直播�
Coun. Tracy Gray: 香蕉视频直播淚 will let my final decision be known as we get closer to the election. For now, I香蕉视频直播檓 focused on serving the public and fulfilling my responsibilities.香蕉视频直播� (She has a webpage up香蕉视频直播攙otetracygray.com香蕉视频直播攊ndicating she is running for re-election.)
Coun. Brad Sieben: 香蕉视频直播淎t this time I have not yet made a decision whether I will run again. I香蕉视频直播檒l likely come to a decision sometime in August.香蕉视频直播�
Coun. Maxine DeHart: 香蕉视频直播淎t this time I am presently discussing the election with my family, friends and team and will be making a decision in the near future.香蕉视频直播�
Coun. Gail Given: Wasn香蕉视频直播檛 available to respond.
Coun. Charlie Hodge: No response. (He has said previously he plans to announce his intention at a party he is planning for September.)
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