Only one of three current elected mayors has made an early decision on whether or not he will be running for office in November’s municipal elections.
Current District of Invermere Mayor Gerry Taft officially announced that he would be running for mayor again this year, with some plans in mind already should he be re-elected.
However, it is still too early to tell for current Village of Radium Hot Springs Mayor Dee Conklin, and current Village of Canal Flats Mayor Bruce Woodbury.
“I haven’t decided whether I will seek re-election,” said Woodbury of the early inquiry.
Conklin also needs time to consider her options.
“It is still too early for me to state unequivocally that I will run again as Mayor of Radium Hot Springs,” said Conklin.
Conklin added that making the decision to run again, which would result in another three-year commitment if re-elected, was a decision she would have to discuss with her husband, who she is currently running a number of businesses with.
“My husband and I are obviously busy running a couple of businesses and we need to see how the summer goes,” said Conklin. “We will then sit down and make a final decision together, as it is another three-year commitment that both of us have to be prepared to make.”
Taft, however, has his mind made up early, well before the looming elections.
“My intentions are to run again for the position of Mayor. I have enjoyed the challenges of the position, and I look forward to continuing the work of moving Invermere forward,” Taft said. “It has been an honour to advocate for Invermere in the areas of health care, employment services and many other issues, and I believe that Invermere and the Columbia Valley has benefited from these efforts.”
Taft went on to say that being a board member of the Regional District of East Kootenay has provided him with positive experience, and he and other directors have put forth great efforts to create strong working relationships among various political jurisdictions throughout the Columbia Valley.
“After a successful re-election, I would like to focus on an economic development strategy for Invermere and the Columbia Valley, so that we can try to create more year-round employment and retain and attract full-time residents so that we can keep our schools and our communities full and vibrant,” added Taft on his future plans.
