Several Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) directors have confirmed they will seek another term in October, while some plan to step away from the board and others remain undecided.
Cheryl Graham, who represents Electoral Area E, has decided not to seek re-election.
Graham is currently serving her first term on the RDCK board and said serving as Area E director has been both rewarding and challenging.
However, another term does not align with her plans.
“At this stage in my life, pursuing another term does not align with my future plans,” Graham said in an email.
She said she remains committed to carrying out her responsibilities for the remainder of her term and would be willing to help the person elected to Area E with the transition.
Several other incumbent directors have confirmed they intend to run again.
Area A Director Garry Jackman said he weighed his family and work commitments before deciding to seek another term.
“Right now, I have a good work life balance, and the RDCK position remains the most interesting job I have ever had, so I want to continue to support residents on a multitude of fronts,” Jackman said.
He said living with four generations of his family has also made it important to support relatives ranging from those in their 90s to his grandchildren.
Area B Director Roger Tierney is also seeking re-election.
Tierney, who is serving his first term as a regional director, said he believes serving another term is the responsible decision, pointing to the time it takes to learn the role and make effective changes for constituents.
“I have heard from so many of the experienced directors that it takes a few years to learn and understand the role of the electoral director, and how to make effective changes to benefit the constituency,” Tierney said.
He added that he has also heard from constituents who want him to continue in the position.
“I am constantly reminded by constituents that they are very appreciative of the work that I have put into the role and are hoping that I continue in the position. I feel like running again is the responsible thing to do,” said Tierney.
Tierney added that voters will ultimately decide whether he remains in office.
“If the majority feel that a change is required, then so be it,” he said. “I will leave the position knowing I have fulfilled my obligations to my constituents.”
Area C Director Kelly Vandeberghe has previously confirmed he will seek re-election.
Area D Director Aimee Watson, who is also the RDCK board chair, is seeking another term.
Watson said supporting rural communities has been an honour during her time representing Area D, which includes 24 unincorporated communities.
“Rural communities are a rare gem where residents work as teams, like a family in some, that support each other and their needs,” Watson said.
“Its quite beautiful to be meeting with them and hearing where they need support but mostly, how they are looking after each other either through rural fire supports, independent water systems, neighborhood emergency planning, etc.- this kind of resilience is gold in a world that is on fire.”
Area I Director Andy Davidoff has confirmed he will seek another term, although he plans to issue a candidate statement at a later date.
Area H Director Walter Popoff remains undecided.
Popoff said he is reviewing his family situation and the workload involved with serving as an RDCK director before deciding whether he can commit to another four-year term.
He told Vista Radio he plans to make a decision following the RDCK’s August board meeting.
The election plans of three other incumbent directors remain unclear.
Area F Director Tom Newell acknowledged an inquiry about his plans but has not yet confirmed whether he will seek re-election.
Directors Hans Cunningham of Area G, Henny Hanegraaf of Area J and Theresa Weatherhead of Area K were also contacted for comment but had not responded by publication time.
The nomination period for the Oct. 17 local government election opens Sept. 1 and closes Sept. 11. According to Elections BC, the official campaign period begins Sept. 19.
The list of candidates will not be finalized until the nomination period closes.
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