After 28 years Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie isn’t ready to step down.
“I like working hard and I like doing things for the Osoyoos Indian Band. That’s what I went to university for,” said Louie.
The band will be going to the polls on Feb. 19 to elect a chief and five councillors. All current council members are trying for re-election, including Louie, who is being challenged by Ernest Baptiste for the chief’s position.
“That is usually the case, that is nothing new,” said Louie. “I don’t like the politics, I like the business side of things. But politics often sets the tone for business.”
Incumbents Tony Baptiste, Theresa Gabriel, Veronica McGinnis, Yvonne Weinert and Sandra Falkus are all up for re-election. They will be joined by 11 new candidates running for the five councillor positions: Jeddy Baptiste, Leona Baptiste, Neil Justin Baptiste, Russell Baptiste, Derek Anton Bryson, Kathy Falkus, Thomas Lee Gabriel, Jacob Joseph Kruger, Mona Louie (Ramona Bent), Sammy-Jo Louie and Joshua McGinnis.
Over Louie’s time in office, the OIB has developed into an economic powerhouse. Louie credits strong councils he has worked with over the years as playing a big part in that development.
“It is never a one-man show, it is always a group of people. Council runs council, not the chief,” said Louie. “All the councils I have worked on, we have all worked together and the majority has always approved the direction in the leases and the projects we have been involved in.”
The Penticton Indian Band will be holding their next round of elections in 2016.