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Meet your candidates for municipal government - and find out why they are running

Former Princeton councillor Doug Pateman squares off against incumbent Mayor Spencer Coyne
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Election Day is October 15, 2022. File photo

Voters in the Town of Princeton, and Area H of the regional district, are spoiled for choice when it comes to the 2022 municipal elections.

The window for nomination packages to be filed, previous to the Oct. 15 vote, closed Friday, Sept. 9, at 4 p.m.

Doug Pateman, a former town councillor, is challenging incumbent Spencer Coyne for the mayor’s seat.

In the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen, Michael Mazurek, facilities manager at Optimi Health and BC Green Pharmaceuticals, is running against Bob Coyne, who is seeking his third term as Area H director.

There are six hopefuls running for four Princeton councillor positions, including all of the councillors who served from 2018 to 2022 – Tyler Willis, Barb Gould, Randy McLean and George Elliott.

Arone Sheriland and Bob Long, newcomers to Princeton’s political landscape, will also be on the ballot.

All candidates were officially declared by Carrie Kassa, chief elections officer for the Town of Princeton.

This week the Spotlight asked candidates, for town council and Area H, to provide a brief statement with their reasons for running for office.

Mayor’s Office

Spencer Coyne - Incumbent

“This past term has been unprecedented – a once in a 200-year flood, forest fires and the pandemic. We stayed the course. We stayed focus on fixing the problems, while moving forward. I believe that the job isn’t finished. I have proven leadership in some of the hardest times our community has ever seen, and I want to finish the job.”

Doug Pateman

“Princeton needs to grow while providing for the basic needs of our town. It’s been 10 months since the flood and many people are still without water, many can’t move back into their flood damaged homes. What are the plans and where is the money being spent? I have the desire and the know how to address the issues transparently.”

Council Positions

George Elliott - Incumbent

“There are several projects currently in the works and I’d like to see them to completion. This includes infrastructure, housing, and tourism initiatives to name a few. There have been big changes to Princeton during this term and I’d like to continue to be a part of them, as well as upcoming changes that will happen in the next term.”

Barb Gould – Incumbent

“I am seeking re-election as councillor for the Town of Princeton as I feel I have more work to do. I do not come to the table with a personal agenda, I look forward to the opportunity to keep serving. If re-elected I am willing to work with whomever the constituents decide to put at the table.”

Bob Long

“I love Princeton and I believe stepping up to public service an essential part of building community. I really support volunteerism and feel I can greatly contribute to keeping Princeton moving forward, with fresh ideas and a truly positive attitude. I have many years of experience in local government to bring to the council table.”

Randy McLean - Incumbent

“I am running for councillor because I believe we can improve on the way this municipality operates. I believe we can never stop striving to get $1.10 value out of every taxpayer dollar. My years of experience can help work towards that end. Dollars saved on projects and initiatives only create the ability to achieve more projects and initiatives.”

Arone Sheriland

“Attending town council meetings has inspired me to become part of the process to create change for the betterment of the community. I believe in transparency and accountability. I want to be the voice for all that make Princeton their home and focus on community, adding to the livability of our great town and doing it honestly and responsibly.”

Tyler Willis - Incumbent

“I first decided to run for council because I was born and raised here in Princeton. Moving back in 2010 we decided to raise our family here. We love Princeton and think it’s great, but I think it can be even better. Princeton has amazing potential and I am very happy with the progress we made in our first term.”

Area H

Directorship

Bob Coyne – Incumbent

“We have gone through some of the worst times our country has seen over the last four years. We need to repair damage, rebuild and move forward. This will take strong and experienced leadership. We must continue to move forward with a spirit of cooperation and open mindedness. I am willing and able to do this, with your continued support.”

Michael Mazurek

“I am running for office because I feel I can make a meaningful contribution to the betterment of the community and area in which I have lived and worked for the past 15 plus years. The best way for me to do that is to be elected at a local government level to represent the people within our community.”

Sept. 22 the Spotlight will include the five candidates for School District 58 – incumbents Leah Ward and Dave Rainer, and challengers Ed Staples, Jamie Kent-Laidlaw and Dan Hillman. Leading up to the Oct. 15 election, candidates will be profiled and asked specific questions.

Related: Summerland voters have 20 names on ballot

Related: Elections BC issues reminder on expense, ad rules ahead of campaign period start date

Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email:andrea.demeer@similkameenspotlight.com


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Andrea DeMeer

About the Author: Andrea DeMeer

Andrea is the publisher of the Similkameen Spotlight.
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