When it comes to elections, money doesn’t necessarily buy you love.
That’s according to the financial disclosure forms filed by candidates in the October 2022 vote, which were released last week by Elections BC.
The biggest spender running for town council, former Langley Township councillor Bob Long, spent $2,085 on various promotional materials and sundry items, but failed to win a seat.
Arone Sheriland, another newcomer to the local political landscape, spent the second highest amount among those seeking a councillor position, $1,062, and also failed to capture enough votes.
George Elliott, who was re-elected, was the only candidate who spent nothing.
All four councillors were returned from the previous term.
Barb Gould, with the most votes, spent $461, while Randy McLean and Tyler Willis spent $550 and $224 respectively.
Doug Patemen, who challenged Spencer Coyne for mayor, spent $1,983 and lost decisively to Coyne who spent $1,633.
The dollar strategies were much varied in the race for Area H director of the regional district.
Michael Mazurek spent $3,181 in a failed attempt to unseat incumbent Bob Coyne, who was elected to a third term while spending just $180.
In the Nicola Similkameen School District, Leah Ward and David Rainer were both reelected, having invested, respectively, $372 and $200.
Ed Staples, Dan Hillman and Jamie Kent-Laidlaw also ran for the position of trustee, with Laidlaw taking Princeton’s third seat around the school board table. None of them spent any money.
The Princeton and District Teachers Union registered as a third-party sponsor and supported Staples, Hillman and Kent-Laidlaw, however a disclosure form filed by the association’s union states less than $500 was directed towards that effort.
Related: Election changes almost nothing for Princeton and area
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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