Have a few questions you’d like to ask our local politicians? Don’t forget to mark on your calendar the Clearwater town council all-candidates’ forum coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 1. It will be held in the Pit at Clearwater Secondary School, starting at 7 p.m.
In the race for the mayor’s chair, incumbent John Harwood is being challenged by councilor Bert Walker.
Eleven candidates have put their names forward to run for the six other seats on town council. They are Barry Banford, Merlin Blackwell, Arnold Brock, Samantha Frye, Elia Ganderski, Gord Heisterman, Ken Kjenstad, Jon Kreke, Jeff Lamond, Shelley Sim and Stephanie Teare.
Residents of Wells Gray Country (Area A - East Blackpool, Blackpool, Upper Clearwater, Birch Island and Vavenby) are being asked to pick between incumbent Tim Pennell and challenger Cheryl Thomas.
Max Lentz, Thompson-Nicola Regional District director for Thompson Headwaters (Area B - Blue River and Avola) is being challenged by Willow MacDonald of Janie’s General Store.
No one is challenging John Harwood for his seat on the School District 73 board.
The all-candidates’ forum, which is being organized by the Chamber of Commerce with help from the Times, will primarily be intended for candidates for District of Clearwater council. Organizers would like to hear from the residents of Wells Gray Country about whether there is interest in holding an all-candidates’ forum for them and, if so, where it should be held.
The Times has invited all 17 local candidates to submit short write-ups about why people should vote for them. The first of these appear on page A8 and A9 inside.