To keep up with who is running for what, the Western News is creating a list of all the candidates running in the civic election in the run-up to the Oct. 20 polling day. The nomination period has now closed but we will be continuing to update this page as candidate statements arrive.
Bios can be emailed to mark.brett@pentictonwesternnews.com
Mayor
Sue McKortoff :
A town councillor prior, Sue McKortoff is seeking her second term as mayor. As mayor she served as a director on the RDOS and four other agencies.
I was employed as a Primary teacher at Osoyoos Elementary School for 34 years, and am active with the one-to-one reading program. I continue to volunteer for Soroptimist International of Osoyoos and Osoyoos Festival Society.
During the last 4 years, I have enjoyed working with a positive, energetic council, and a professional Town staff. Council has been proactive in dealing with new town infrastructure, policing issues, keeping our secondary school open, planning our Town Centre Renewal, providing more trails and playgrounds, and completing a study on a Community Health Centre.
I am an organized, energetic, team player and a positive leader. I take the time to listen and I will continue to educate myself on the variety of local issues that are important to our community.
Doug Pederson: My point in running as always, to fight the B.S. in our government.
This time I want to make sure people will realize what is at stake in the pot legalization way way more than the government lets on.
A $30 billion a year going concern that has the jump on all producers on the planet.
With a huge crop this year our local growers can take weed to the next level.
Bud and Breakfast along with the wine tours right away — easy.
As a kid I had a clean river to swim in we’ll use marijuana to clean up our lake.The Pot Hall-of-Fame will celebrate the greatest Plant on Earth…
All B.C. candidates should be pro pot or pro stupid.
Council
Jim King: Jim and his wife Cheryle moved to Osoyoos 10 years ago and have five children and 17 grandchildren. Jim was named the Good Citizen of the year in Surrey and the recipient of the Queens Golden Jubilee Award as the past president of the Surrey Board of Trade. King chose to run again for a second term to make a difference. To represent the community you live in is an honour and privilege. Two important things that I would like to see move forward is to encourage a regional swimming pool and advance low-cost housing.
Brian Harvey: Brian Harvey has a 35-year family history in Osoyoos, and lived here full-time since 2014. “Our community is very special to me and I wish to contribute to its growth and well-being and am well-qualified to do so.”
Harvey brings to this campaign many years of experience that will enhance his effectiveness on council. With over 20 years of engineering, management and business experience in the telecommunications industry, he was responsible for development, investment strategy and creation of strategic partnerships. He was called to the bar of the Law Society of Upper Canada in May 2007, and served eight years with the Department of Justice Canada as Counsel in the Civil Litigation Section.
This position allowed him to gain knowledge of legislative process, administration and policy development. He is currently practicing law in Osoyoos, specializing in contract matters, wills and estates.
Shelley McIntyre: Shelley and her husband relocated to Osoyoos 2017. British Columbia raised she is glad to settle into the Okanagan. Taking on a major home renovation of a local historic property when she moved, Shelley has recently started working in Osoyoos. She enjoys being apart of our growing community through fundraising, and volunteering. Shelley is a candidate for city council. She will be focusing on transparency through open dialogue, community and honest practices. Shelley has the energy to ensure council is fair and consistent with the residents of Osoyoos.
Kenny G. Music: I have owned my property in Osoyoos for the last two years.
I have an extensive background in human resources and administrative management, having been a business analyst/mentor with Canadian Pacific Railway, an HR associate with the City of Calgary and general manager/executive director with the Squamish Chamber of Commerce Most recently, I was an operations supervisor with Canada Post before retiring in July to run in this election.
As a relative newcomer to Osoyoos, I bring with me a non-biased, fresh set of eyes, with a keen sense of passion for local business and community involvement.
I believe in an open, transparent government and welcome input and feedback from every citizen.
Jane Long-Haggerty: I am soon to be 36, a mother of three, a wife, local business owner, teacher and CPA. I decided to run for council to ensure young families have a voice for town direction, affordable housing and access to education. We need to attract young families for small business, health care services, AND tourism services. I understand that the town needs tourism however with climate change impacting our tourism revenues, we need to have a strong backing: small business, which will help the locals, the town and tourism.
Sherani Theophilus: Before moving to Osoyoos in 2014 Sherani Theophilus was the co-owner of a business in Vancouver having studied mechanical engineering and has a BSc in business and mathematics.
The mother of two describes her experience as “eclectic” ranging from research and bookkeeping to event planning, public relations and marketing.
A board member of SOS Mental Wellness Society she is forming a youth peer support group for those who slip through the cracks after aging out of child programs.
Overcoming personal adversity she will share her skills and experience to “strengthen and support the beautiful Town of Osoyoos.
Myers Bennett: I have spent many years involved in many community groups including the Rotary Club, serving as President of the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce, and I have previous experience as a town councillor so I understand how councils and small communities can thrive with the right leadership.
I believe my many years of business experience is a big benefit and my strong connection as a Director of Destination Osoyoos has given insight in the trials and tribulations both small and large businesses are facing today. I am concerned about the current housing situation as I see businesses have to shut down their doors due to a lack of staff caused by the housing shortage.
In addition to mayor and council there are three candidates running for the two water councillor positions.
Incumbents Sarabjit Rai and Claude Moreira are running again and Kuldeep Dhaliwal is the challenger.
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Electoral Area A incumbent Mark Pendergraft was the only candidate for the Osoyoos area.
CJ Rhodes: The three-term council member’s vision for the future includes maintaining the quality of life by offering responsible governance.
I am a dedicated family man who understands the wellness of our community may be affected by the lack of sustainable jobs and affordable housing. My many years of business ownership in Osoyoos will help to bring fiscal responsibility to all financial matters in Osoyoos. Respect for taxpayers is a priority for me.
CJ Rhodes is approachable and accessible. My business is always open to anyone for discussion on any topic at any time.
I am currently the chair of the Osoyoos Waterfront steering committee, council representative on the new dog park committee, council representative to the Osoyoos museum and, alternate RDOS director.
Sy Murseli: This profile has not been submitted yet.
Water Councillor
The candidates running for water councillor are Kuldeep Dhaliwal and Claude Moreira.