Election campaigns start early

By Mona Mattei

Elections are in the air and though nominations are just opening this week, many candidates have stepped up to declare their interests.

 

At Grand Forks City Council meeting on Sept. 5, Councillors Chris Moslin and Gene Robert announced their intention not to run for re-election after serving two terms as councillors. Councillors Joy Davies, Michael Wirischagin and Cher Wyers are all seeking a second term.

 

Councillor Christine Thompson surprised the gallery by announcing that she will be looking for the nod to take over the mayoral seat, giving Brian Taylor, who is standing for re-election, a run for the leadership of the city.

 

School District trustees also were ready to declare their decisions. All trustees: Sally Garcelon, Cathy Riddle, Ken Harshenin, Teresa Rezansoff, Vicki Gee and John Malloff are planning for re-election. Kris Sabourin is stepping down since she has moved out of the region.

 

Not everyone was ready to announce their intentions but Midway Mayor Randy Kappes, Greenwood Mayor Colleen Lang, and Councillor Angie Phelps have all said they are running. In Greenwood, Nipper Kettle, a new resident in the area, said he’d be seeking the mayor’s seat.

 

In Regional District areas, Bill Baird and Christopher Stevenson will be facing off for the West Boundary seat, Grace McGregor is seeking re-election in Christina Lake, and Irene Perepolkin will be standing again in the Grand Forks Rural area.

 

More nominations are expected as the story unfolds before the election in November. The Sentinel will be following all the election news and offers readers a unique section just covering municipal elections.

 

Candidates will be able to post their profiles on the site and readers can ask questions of each candidate. Answers will be posted as comments on the profiles and we anticipate that the interaction between candidates and readers will be lively!

Watch for candidate’s profiles, engage with them early and take time to make your choice. The Sentinel is pleased to be election central for this year’s local leadership race!