All five members of Oliver town council are looking to win back their seats in the Nov. 15 municipal election.
Mayor Ron Hovanes thinks that’s an indication politicians, at least, are eager to keep the town’s momentum going. The mayor cited the $55-million overhaul of South Okanagan Secondary School, which includes the new Frank Venables Theatre, along with construction underway on the $193-million Okanagan Correctional Centre, both of which have provided boosts to the local economy.
He’s also bullish on the planned $325-million renovation and addition to Penticton Regional Hospital.
“Any job from Summerland to the border, to us, is a local job,” the mayor said. “We’ve got so much going for us the next couple years.”
Hovanes also confirmed he’ll be seeking a third term in the top job. He served from 2005 to 2008, but sat out one term while he made an unsuccessful bid for provincial office, then was re-elected in 2011.
“I believe I have a lot to give, and I believe I owe it to the community to step forward and say I’m willing to take on the next term,” he said.
All four town councillors — Jack Bennest, Maureen Doerr, David Mattes and Larry Schwartzenberger — have also confirmed they’ll run again.
Besides picking politicians, residents in the Town of Oliver and the surrounding rural Area C of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen will also be asked at the polls to approve a new agreement for operation of the Frank Venables Theatre.
That arrangement would cost local property owners up to 14 cents per $1,000 of assessed value to run the theatre.
The Okanagan Similkameen School District would be the third partner in the deal, although its contribution would be in-kind by covering costs such as maintenance, cleaning and utilities.