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Rathor, Walters seek re-election

Contrary to the as-of-now three publicly declared mayoral candidates, many of Williams Lake’s councillors continue to hold their re-election cards close to their chests.

Contrary to the as-of-now three publicly declared mayoral candidates, many of Williams Lake’s councillors continue to hold their re-election cards close to their chests.

To date, the only councillors to make public their intent come Nov. 19 are Coun. Laurie Walters and Coun. Surinderpal Rathor.

On Tuesday Walters confirmed her intent to seek re-election saying, “The biggest thing is you go in for the first three years and now I’m going to be building on the experience. I’ve learned the governance roles and responsibilities and I've learned about the process and the value of process and budgetting and accountability …. I’d like to build on the last three years — to kick it up a notch,” Walters said.

Walters pointed to City initiatives like the Integrated Community Sustainability and the Official Communitiy plans and wanting to be involved in the next steps of the process.

Walters was first elected as city councillor in 2008.

Rathor confirmed Wednesday he will be seeking another three-year term. In confirming his candidacy Rathor said, “The fire is still burning in the belly.” He pointed to issues of accountability, infrastructure, economic development, job creation, financial accountability and housing for seniors being some of the issues of importance to the city.

Rathor has been a city councillor since 1993.

As for other councillors, Sue Zacharias indicated she was not yet decided, as did Tom Barr.  Geoff Bourdon has decided but is not yet ready to make public his decision.

The municipal election is Nov. 19. Positions will be open for School District 27 board trustees, Cariboo Regional District directors and the City of Williams Lake mayor and councillors.

Nomination packages for candidates interested in running for the mayor or council can be picked up at city hall. A person is qualified for office (city and CRD) if they are 18 years of age or older; a resident of B.C. for at least six months immediately prior to the day nomination papers are filed; and not disqualified from voting in an election in B.C. or from being nominated for, being elected to, or holding office.

The nomination period begins Oct. 4 at 9 a.m. and ends Oct. 14 at 4 p.m. Packages can be picked up at Corporate Servivces on the second floor of city hall between 8:30 a.m. and noon and between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Nomination packages for the CRD directors are now available at all three CRD offices. Potential candidates must complete the nomination forms and return them to the chief or deputy chief election officer at the CRD office in Williams Lake between 9 a.m. on Oct. 4 and 4 p.m. on Oct. 14. For more information visit the CRD online at www.cariboord.bc.ca or contact Alice Johnston, chief election office, or Rick Hodgson, deputy chief election officer, at 250-392-3351 or toll free at 1-800-665-1636.

Seven positions for school district trustee are also open. The nomination period is the same as above and qualified candidates can pick up their forms during working hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from the School District administration office at 350 Second Ave. North, Williams Lake or from 100 Mile House Elementary School at 155 N. Birch Ave. 100 Mile House. Packages can be dropped off at the Williams Lake School District office. Candidates must be nominated in writing by a minimum of two qualified electors of the electoral area for which the person is nominated. For more information visit www.sd27.bc.ca or contact Bonnie Roller, chief election officer, or Connee Newberry at 250-398-3833 or in person at 350 Second Ave. N. Williams Lake.