North Okanagan Election Wrap

Written by Peter McIntyre  107.5 KISSFM Sunday, 20 November 2011 01:01

Vernon voters have opted for a change in leadership.  Retired doctor Rob Sawatzky is the city's new mayor, after soundly defeating two term incumbent Wayne Lippert by 18-hundred votes.  Sawatzky had 50 percent of the vote, Lippert 29 percent, and Patrick Davies 21 percent. The 59 year old Sawatzky would like a core service review at City Hall and for the city to improve relations with other local communities.  "The main thing (for improvement) is communication. It's boring, mundane and tedious, and a lot of work, but you just have to do that. People all want the same things." Lippert leaves after six years as mayor.  He tells KISS FM, "I'm proud of the record we've got. I had two good councils, and I believe we've done a good job. We've made huge changes in the city and I hope that continues." Three of the five incumbent councillors were re-elected including Patrick Nicol (poll topper), Bob Spiers and Mary Jo O'Keefe, along with former councillor and business owner Juliette Cunningham, Catherine Lord (GM of the O'Keefe Ranch) and architect Brian Quiring.  Incumbents Jack Gilroy and Shawn Lee were not returned.  No word yet from city officials on the turnout.The new council will be sworn in December 5.

Coldstream opted to stay with Jim Garlick as mayor, winning by 749 votes over Dave Hrabchuk.  Five incumbents were reelected including poll topper Doug Dirk along with former member Peter McClean. Coldstream voters said yes to the referendum by 60 percent to borrow 1.3 million dollars for a new mechanic shop and other site and environmental improvements at the works yard off Aberdeen Road .

Kevin Acton was returned as mayor of Lumby, winning by 77 votes over Jim McEwan with voter turnout of 51 percent.  Newcomer Randal Ostafichuk was the leading councillor. Spallumcheen chose Janice Brown as their new mayor over Dave Brew by 110 votes, while Christine Fraser and Todd York led the councillors  Armstrong returned all six incumbent council members, while Enderby chose Howie Cyr over Dee Wjer for mayor.  Jackie Pearase won the RDNO seat for Area F rural Enderby, Rene Talbot was returned for the Falkland area of RDCS, and Jim Edgson for Central Okanagan West on RDCO.  There was change on the Vernon school board with newcomers Kelly Smith, Tami Ryder and John Armstrong joining incumbent Mollie Bono, with Steve Connor and Perry Wainright not returned. Mitzi Fortin and Doris Square got the Lumby area seatsd, with incumbent Paula Harned missing out.  Elsewhere around the Okanagan, Walter Gray is back as Kelowna mayor after a six year absence after winning a close race over Sharon Shepperd, Doug Findlater was returned in West Kelowna, James Baker in Lake Country, Dan Ashton in Penticton, while Nancy Cooper is the new mayor of Salmon Arm.