Castlegar’s byelection is wrapping up and Saturday, April 24 is your last opportunity to vote.
There are five candidates running for mayor — Lawrence Chernoff, Kirk Duff, Gord Lamont, Florio Vassilakakis and Gordon Zaitsoff.
There are four candidates running for the one council seat — Brian Bogle, Sandy Bojechko, Shirley Falstead and Heather Fancy.
Polls will be open at the Castlegar & District Recreation Complex (located at 2101 6th Avenue) 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Voter turnout was steady at the advance polls with 1016 people casting their votes.
If you have not already registered to vote, you may do so on voting day by producing at least two pieces of acceptable identification (one of which must have your signature) and providing proof of residency or property ownership.
More information on voting regulations can be found at castlegar.ca.
Here is a bit of information about the candidates, in their own words:
MAYOR
Lawrence Chernoff — Raised and grew up in Castlegar. Married to my wife Jodi for 49 years before her passing in 2019. I have two grown children and two grandsons. I was a paramedic with B.C. Ambulance Service for 29 years. With the exception of two terms, I have served on Castlegar council since 1987, including 13 years as mayor.
Kirk Duff — resident for 33 years, live in downtown Castlegar, working for Teck Metals 42 yrs, married to Myra, three grown children, six grand kids, 40+ years in Lions, board chair of BC Lions Clubs Society, past president Sculpture Walk, past Library board chair, past president Hospital Foundation, past member Homecoming committee plus 18 years experience as a city councilor.
Gord Lamont — Born and raised in Castlegar, son of Jim and Inga Lamont, wildland firefighter, DJ and sound technician, self-employed contractor. Married – father of three, step-father of one, grandpa of three.
Florio Vassilakakis — 16 year resident. Castlegar city councillor 2013-2021. Past RDCK rec commissioner. B.Sc degree from UBC. Business owner of the Nineteenth at Castlegar Golf Club. Downtown property owner. Past Chamber of Commerce and Castlegar Golf Club board member. Proud to be raising three beautiful children in Castlegar with his wife Rebecca.
Gordon Zaitsoff — Born and raised in Castlegar, I have been able to enjoy the opportunities provided in our community. I have strong leadership capabilities delivering desirable results and a knack for problem solving. I held the position of electoral director for the RDCK for four consecutive terms, resulting in many benefits for our community.
COUNCIL
Brian Bogle — Resident of Castlegar since 2005, retired in September 2019 after managing the Castlegar Safeway Store from 2005-2019. I served as treasurer of The Knights of Columbus, was co-chair of the Citizen of the Year committee. I coached minor baseball and minor softball.
Sandy Bojechko — Resident for 35+ years, BCGEU staff representative, West Kootenay Labour Council president, Rebels Jr. B Hockey Club and Selkirk College volunteer, billet parent, West Kootenay Kennel Club volunteer, Heart and Stroke Foundation volunteer, organizer for International Day of Mourning in Castlegar and Nelson, Child Find volunteer, dog trainer for 30 years.
Shirley Falstead — Love living in Castlegar, treasurer Rota Villa board of directors, Heritage Credit Union board of directors, Red Cross equipment loans volunteer, owned a business specializing in economic development and risk management, strategic planning in tourism, forestry and fishing, past Cooperative Health Center and Safe Shelter for Women boards of directors.
Heather Fancy — Accomplished sales professional with nearly 20 years experience. I have enjoyed a healthy career in sales and marketing, and raising my family in the Kootenays. Most recently, I am honored to represent Habitat for Humanity … in my role as manager … at The Castlegar ReStore. (Info from heatherfancy.com)
READ MORE: Q&A with the Castlegar mayoral candidates
READ MORE: Q&A with the Castlegar council candidates
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