With mere hours until the deadline for nominations to be received, Coldstream now has 13 candidates to choose from in the Nov. 14 municipal election.
Only one of those is running for mayor so far – incumbent Coun. Jim Garlick.
John Hegler and Becky Strube are two of the candidates seeking councillor positions. The others, as of press time, are Maria Besso, Perrin Hayes, Peter Peto, Dean Skoreyko, Richard Enns, Gyula Kiss, Ruth Moore, Clair Methot and incumbent councillors Mary Malerby and Bill Firman.
Hegler, a retired carpenter and president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees for the Vernon School District, wants to bring honesty to council.
“I’m going to be there for the residents of Coldstream,” said Hegler, adding that he will not be spreading campaign signs around the community.
Hegler, 66, has lived in Coldstream most of his life and says his decision to run in the upcoming election is, “more out of frustration than anything.”
The married father of three and grandfather of four says Coldstream residents need a strong voice. Being the type of person who isn’t afraid to speak up, Hegler feels he is the perfect fit.
“I’m a sincere person and I’ve always fought for the underdog and the little person,” said Hegler, an avid golfer and wood working artist.
Some of the things Hegler will fight for include: the reinstatement of fire chief Leo Lecavalier, upholding the Official Community Plan, fair treatment of sewer users, more police and bylaw enforcement in Coldstream, keeping taxes in line with inflation and accountability from council and administration.
Strube also believes accountability and accessibility to council and administration is important.
Strube is a married mother who has lived and worked in Coldstream for 30 years.
“Coldstream has been my home and haven for most of my adult life and I am impelled to help protect and enhance all the aspects affecting quality of life issues here,” said the architectural designer by profession and operator of Strube Design & Drafting.
In her efforts to preserve what so many residents love about Coldstream, Strube says the following issues are important: sustainability, water and air quality, greenscape and landscaping, field to table initiatives, housing density versus sprawl and targeted transit needs.
The 57-year-old, who is also an author and artist, says smart planning is needed with community involvement.
“As Coldstream is not immune to global climate and economic concerns, how our tax dollars are earmarked for both now and future needs will require thoughtful, intelligent planning with input from everyone.”
Strube has served on the executive and boards of many non-profit arts organizations locally such as Aura Chamber Choir, Vernon Community Arts Council and the Okanagan Cultural Corridor plus some provincial involvement in trying to determine a B.C. cultural policy. “I have always been a community advocate.”
Watch The Morning Star for more profiles of Coldstream’s candidates.
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