Coldstream candidates file in

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 03, 2008

Coldstream now has enough candidates to replace its council, but no one has stepped forward for mayor. Since Mayor Gary Corner announced he will not seek re-election during the Nov. 15 municipal election, no one has stepped forward to replace him. But so far, six individuals are prepared to take a seat on Coldstream council. None of them include the existing councillors. Those who have announced their candidacy include: Maria Besso, Perrin Hayes, John Hegler, Becky Strube, Peter Peto and Dean Skoreyko. “It’s time for some change,” said 47-year-old Besso, who was so eager to enter the election ring that she was the first to file her nomination papers. The married mother of three children says with the time to commit and a love for the community she’s lived in for 15 years, she is ready for the job. Many Coldstream residents may remember Besso from the sports complex referendum, where a majority of Coldstream residents voted against a land use change on agricultural land on Aberdeen Road. Besso fought for the “no” side of the debate.“I definitely have issues around the preservation of the agricultural land reserve,” said the retired geologist.She also has sewer and water concerns.“I want to see the completion of the Duteau Creek,” said Besso, a Society for Protection of Kalamalka Lake member.The democratic process, allowing citizens to speak up when they have concerns, is another burning issue for Besso. Particularly how Leo Lecavalier was dismissed.Besso is currently a member of the Coldstream Ratepayers Association and an Okanagan Symphony Society volunteer.

Like Besso, Skoreyko also has an interest in sewer and water.“Whether we’ve actually gone down the right track and where we’re going with it,” said the 41-year-old, who is a sales representative for various companies. He is also concerned with having an open and transparent council and one that can stand up for Coldstream’s interests when dealing with larger regional issues. “You need some strong voices for Coldstream too.” Where Coldstream is going with development is also an interest for Skoreyko. “People don’t want to lose that style of living that’s unique to Coldstream,” said Skoreyko, a proud owner of two dogs. Initially Skoreyko had intentions to run for Vernon council, but has decided it is best to seek an elected position in the municipality where he resides. Skoreyko was involved in the Junior Chamber International (JCI) and is a former Schubert Centre volunteer.

Watch The Morning Star for more profiles of Coldstream’s municipal candidates.