Helen Jackson would consider it a privilege to be involved in helping plan the City of Armstrong’s future.
Kerry Bennington puts financial sustainability, public safety and infrastructure at the top of his priorities list.
Both residents have declared themselves candidates for a seat on Armstrong council.
Jackson is a retired public school and college librarian, councillor and Interior Health Authority administrative assistant.
“I enjoy living in Armstrong, plan on being here for many years to come, and would like to be more involved in helping guide this community forward,” said Jackson, who moved to Armstrong with her husband in 2010. She is a former councillor in the City of Marathon, Ont., and has also served on a number of health-related boards.
“I’d like to ensure growth happens in a balanced way, which meets or exceeds the expectations of the community as a whole. I’m used to working as part of a team whose members often hold differing views, while still making my own voice heard, and I’d like very much to put that previous experience to good use here in Armstrong.”
Bennington is a former police officer who hopes his track record with the RCMP, the provincial solicitor general’s ministry and the last several years of private management consulting will serve the City of Armstrong well.
“I am extremely proud to live in Armstrong and I am looking forward to discussing important issues with citizens in our community, and – hopefully if elected – to build on the tremendous legacy left by our current council,” said Bennington.
A native of White Rock, Bennington was the deputy director of police services with the ministry of solicitor general and spent several years as a private management consultant before becoming a sales associate in February with The Home Depot in Vernon.
“My priorities reflect my personal belief in building strong communities through ongoing investment in public services, through transparent and accountable local government and by protecting those who are most vulnerable,” he said.
Bennington is a proud member of Branch 35 of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Art Gallery and the Okanagan Valley Wood Turners Guild.
Also running for council in Armstrong are incumbents Paul Britton, Shirley Fowler, Ron (Sully) O’Sullivan and John Trainor, and challengers Steven Drapala, Lance McGregor, Dave McKechnie, Gil Melin, Robert Thibeau and Linda Werner.
Mayor Chris Pieper has been returned by acclamation.
