Rieger runs for mayor

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 26, 2008

The race for mayor is heating up in Spallumcheen. Guenter Rieger, who was mayor for six years in the 1990s, has announced he will seek the township’s top job during November’s civic election. “Many people have asked me to run and there are several things going on that I don’t like right now,” said Rieger who has lived in Spallumcheen for the last 24 years. Primarily, Rieger says he is concerned about how Spallumcheen deals with the City of Armstrong when it comes to joint services. “The relationship has deteriorated,” he said. He also wants to see long-term planning as a way of addressing growth issues in the community. “In 1996, we had an official community plan with a vision and it’s been trashed,” he said. “We don’t want to do the same as Greater Vernon where there is a bit of development here and a bit there.” As someone who operates an organic farm, Rieger says he is committed to maintaining Spallumcheen’s agricultural lifestyle, but there is a need to broaden the economy. “We need additional tax base or people can’t afford to live here,” he said, adding that there should be enhancements to the industrial park. “This should take place in an area where we have the infrastructure already in place or close.”Rieger also believes there is a need for open government.“I want to bring back trust and integrity by respecting taxpayers’ wishes,” he said.

Rieger is just the latest person to launch a mayoralty campaign for November. Dustin Griffin, who works at Predator Ridge, announced two weeks ago that he wants the position, while incumbent mayor Will Hansma is seeking re-election. Hansma was acclaimed to office in 2005.“It’s excellent for the community to have a race. It puts all of the issues out on the table and that’s what democracy is there for,” he said.Hansma doesn’t believe that having two challengers reflects on his job as mayor. “It says that they are interested in running for mayor, that’s all,” he said.“I believe I have done a good job as mayor and I haven’t heard anything to the contrary.”