The date to have election packages turned in for the 2011 Municipal Elections has passed and Golden will have the choice of 10 candidates who want to represent the residents of the area as councillors.
“I am declaring the candidates for the 2011 general local election This is not a declaration of an election. Despite the fact that these nominations have been submitted, there is now a four day period for candidates to withdraw their nominations. After that, there is a waiting period. The Monday (Oct. 24) following that, at 4 p.m., is when I can officially announce the election.” said Chief Election Officer Jon Wilsgard. Wilsgard went on to state that “Christina Benty has been elected by acclimation.” Benty has been the mayor of Golden since winning a bi-election in 2009.
Earlier in the week, before the announcement of candidates, Benty was asked how she would feel if she was acclaimed as the Mayor of Golden for another term.
“I have been incredibly honoured and humbled to have the opportunity to represent the community. I feel like I am working hard on behalf of the community and I know there is always more that needs to be done. I am confident in what I am doing and how to move forward.”
She went on to stress that she was just one person who works with many others to do what is best for the town. “It is not just me. It is a collective experience,” she said.
As for some of the plans heading into her new three year term Benty had a few ideas about important goals.
“One of them is the development of the business guide. If you are a developer coming into the community you have a guide that outlines what is required of you so that there are no surprises,” Benty said. “The other thing is, we are coming up to five years on the Official Community Plan(OCP). I would like to revisiti the OCP and form an OCP implications committee.”
Ten people have put their names in to be candidates for one of the six councillor seats up for grabs. The 10 candidates in alphabetical order are Jamie Fitzgerald, Chris Hambruch, Trevor Hamre, Keith W. Hern, John A. Jackson, Kuljit Jaswal, Magnus Magnusson, Caleb Moss, Ron Oszust and Mike Pecora.
Other elections happening will be for the representative in the Columbia Shuswap Regional District Area A. Three candidates have been announced as Caleb Moss, Garry Habart and Randy Priest.
Six people have also come forward to run for three positions for the office of School Trustees for Electoral Area 1.
Andrew Caldwell, Jane Fearing, Shannon Hood, Meg Langley, Becky Leonty and Rhonda Smith.
