Lance McGregor and Dave McKechnie are both hoping to earn the confidence of Armstrong voters.
They are among the candidates running for city council Nov. 15.
McGregor spent 25 years working for the City of Armstrong in its public works department.
So he couldn’t run for council.
Now retired, McGregor has announced his intention to seek a seat on city council.
“I have worked for 25 years on the other side so I have some idea of what is needed and how things work,” said McGregor, an Armstrong Shamrocks lacrosse legend whose retired number hangs in the rafters of the Nor-Val Sports Centre.
“I have played on teams and coached teams all my life. I am good at organizing and can be a good team player, but I am not afraid to bring new ideas to the table.
“In the end, I just want what is best for this city and the taxpayers who live here.”
“I have no real definite priorities,” said McGregor. “There is the renewal of the underground services which is ongoing and never ending, small changes for parks and rec if possible, and making sure all of the services are sustainable without large tax increases.”
A familiar face from the past is also looking to reclaim a seat on council, but this time in Armstrong.
Born and raised in Armstrong, McKechnie has a genuine interest in his community, along with some experience in politics.
McKechnie served two terms on Spallumcheen council in the ‘60s, and also served two terms in Rainbow Lake, Alta., where he lived for 20 years.
But now McKechnie is hoping to gain a seat on Armstrong council.
This is the second consecutive time McKechnie has sought the vote. He put his name forward in 2011 and was narrowly beat by the current council.
McKechnie, who also worked for the City of Armstrong in the ‘60s, only wants to add to the fine work accomplished thus far.
“I do not have an axe to grind, in fact, I think the previous council has done a pretty good job.
“I’ve got no personal hidden agenda.”
The 72-year-old husband, father of three and grandfather of nine, is semi-retired and has the time to dedicate.
With a background in construction and housing, affordable housing is one issue he would like to see addressed.
“There a lot of people out there who can’t afford granite counter tops and heated floors.”
A few other possibilities he is interested in looking into is a walking trail around the railway and getting the steam train back in Armstrong.
Also running are incumbents Shirley Fowler, Paul Britton and Ron (Sully) O’Sullivan, and hopefuls Kerry Bennington, Steven Drapala, Helen Jackson, Dave McKechnie, Robert Thibeau and Linda Werner.
Incumbent John Trainor will not seek re-election. Kelly Rowe is seeking a school board seat and Ryan Nitchie stepped down to pursue employment interests in Salmon Arm.
Chris Pieper has been acclaimed as mayor of Armstrong.
