Mayor ending Armstrong reign

By Tyler Olsen - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 09, 2008

It’s the end of an era at Armstrong city hall. Longtime Mayor Jerry Oglow announced Monday that he won’t seek re-election in November, bringing to end a 24-year council tenure. Just minutes later, Coun. Chris Pieper, who has served on council for 17 of the last 20 years, said he will run for mayor. Coun. Pat Hudson also said he wouldn’t be running again. Three years ago, Oglow said this would be his final term as mayor, but he told council that the support of the community made him reconsider that vow. However, after talking the decision over with his wife – who he called his senior campaign manager – Oglow decided that it was indeed time to move on. “I cannot say it enough. It’s been a real honour and a privilege to serve my community all these years,” a visibly emotional Oglow said. “The decision for me was a difficult one and I blame the staff for that.” He said he will miss working both with city staff and fellow council members.

“I never thought I’d have the opportunity to work with such a dedicated group,” he said, as city administrator Patti Ferguson sat next to him wiping away tears. Oglow, who has also served as chair of the North Okanagan Regional District the past year, has sat on council for 24 years, half of those as mayor. There, he upheld council’s reputation as one that acts like a team and rarely sees emotional outbursts.

That cohesion was on full display when Pieper announced he would be running for mayor. Fellow councillors applauded after Pieper said “I’m announcing I’ll be seeking the position of mayor for the City of Armstrong.” Pieper said he hadn’t given the position much thought until last week, when Oglow told him that the mayor’s chair would soon be vacated. Noting what he said was unanimous support from his council colleagues, Pieper thus decided to throw his hat into the ring. Whether Pieper will face a challenge remains to be seen. The last election was the first in four votes that Oglow faced a challenger. The rest of council also declared their intentions Monday, including Hudson, who said discussions with his own “campaign lady” led to his decision to step away from the table. “It’s been a pleasure to work with the council – they represent all walks of our community. We’ve got the youth, we’ve got the seniors,” he said. “I look forward to seeing who’s going to fill the gaps.” To which Coun. Sully O’Sullivan announced: “I’ll let you know the senior citizen is going to run again. This time with a cane.” As Oglow’s colleagues on council announced their plans, they paid tribute to the long-time mayor, hailing him for creating an environment that stressed teamwork and mutual respect.

“His leadership, I think, shines through in every facet of our community,” said Coun. Ryan Nitchie, who said he would run for a fifth term. While the steady hand of the mayor may be visible at public events, Nitchie paid tribute to Oglow’s leadership at city hall. “Some of the things people don’t realize is the kind of leadership we have behind the scenes,” he said. “I’m certainly saddened that we won’t have his wisdom around the council chamber.” Oglow, said Nitchie, stressed respect and the need to “put community and people before politics.” Coun. Shirley Fowler, who is also president of the Interior Provincial Exhibition, wondered aloud if Oglow would have time to volunteer at the fair next year. But in saying she would run for a second term on council, she also paid tribute to the respectful atmosphere around the table. “When the vote is done, the vote is done and we get back to being a team again.” Added Coun. John Trainor: “It’s been a pleasure and an honour serving with Jerry. “We worked as a team. It was awesome,” said Trainor, who announced that he’d be running for a fifth term.“I really believe we need to continue in the strong direction where we continue growth,” he said.