The deadline for candidates to file their papers for the upcoming municipal election is 4 p.m. today (Oct. 14). Already, the ballot is starting to fill in for Sechelt.
A flurry of activity this week saw several incumbent councillors file papers and announce their intentions, while five newcomers have also announced their plans to run.
Mayor Cam Reid also announced officially that he will seek re-election.
"It's a lot of work that requires a lot of time, but I feel I'm up for the challenge," said Reid. "Our council has worked well as a team. We may have differing opinions on issues, but at the end of the day we respect the decisions and our ultimate goals of the betterment of Sechelt."
Reid said there are many issues still on the books that he wants to see completed.
"Our wastewater treatment plant and sewer concerns, moving ahead with the pool, road improvements, community forest, a firm commitment for plans for a college facility are all very important," Reid said.
"I want to continue to work hard for the people of Sechelt and see these goals and many others realized."
Current regional district director Adrian Belshaw, who will be running under the Sechelt Electors' Association (SEA) banner, will oppose Reid. Belshaw filed his papers last week.
Current councillors Warren Allan and Barry Poole filed papers this week. Ed Steeves filed last week, while Darren Inkster said he expected to file before today's deadline.
"There is still a lot of work to be done, and I want to be part of that," Inkster said in a brief interview Wednesday afternoon.
Poole echoed Inkster's thoughts when asked why he decided to run again.
"We've got a lot of things we've started, things like the community forest and other initiatives. I'd like to see these things come to fruition," Poole said.
Poole added that this would be his last go at seeking political office.
"This will be my last term," he said. "I'm 67 years old - three more years, that's long enough."
Incumbent councillor Mike Shanks had yet to file his papers by Coast Reporter deadlines Wednesday, but indications are he will seek re-election.
Three other candidates for council, also under the SEA banner, filed this week.
Jason Herz, who has been active with several community associations during his 17 years on the Coast, said he's frustrated with what he perceives as a lack of community consultation by the current council.
"I'm running primarily because of the dissatisfaction of the present council's dealing with the general public. I don't think they listen when it comes to matters of bylaws and community plans," Herz said.
"I've been involved on the edges of politics for many years with several community associations. The last two terms have been pretty upsetting dealing with council. I aim to change that."
For the past 15 years Herz has worked as a landscaper and also operates his own mini excavator business.Another SEA candidate for council is Lori Dixon.
Dixon, who is a current school trustee, will also seek re-election for that position.
"There have been different people encouraging me to run," Dixon said. "I've been very active in the community for many years. Recently I was approached and attended an SEA meeting. I was impressed by the people at the meeting and the passion and commitment they had for the betterment of this community. I talked it over with my husband Stan, and although I know it's going to be a lot of work, I feel I have experience, and I know the Coast, so I decided to give it a go."
The third SEA candidate to file this week was Barbara DeMott. A call to her for comment was not returned before deadline.
Another newcomer to the council race, although not to politics, is Keith Thirkell.
Thirkell came within 40 votes of a council seat three years ago. Thirkell is an avid photographer and writer whose work has been featured all over the Coast and in several Vancouver publications.
"My goal is to make Sechelt an even better place to live," Thirkell said. "Council hasn't done a bad job, but I think it's time for some new blood. I think we need to find a balance on some issues and find better ways of working together both between government and each member of the community."
The final candidate to fill this week was William McIntosh.
Coast Reporter was unable to contact McIntosh for comment.
