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Boisvert-Gilman adds name to mayoral race

Christopher Boisvert-Gilman let the public determine whether he would run as a mayoral candidate or a councillor candidate.

When Christopher Boisvert-Gilman decided to pursue a seat at the municipal council table, he let the public determine whether he would run as a mayoral candidate or a councillor candidate.

The results of his penny poll, conducted downtown over the past month, showed 82 per cent of those who voted in the poll suggested he seek the role of mayor, while 18 per cent wanted him to run as a councillor.

Boisvert-Gilman, 63, has roots in the community dating from 1973, but for many years he had lived elsewhere. His career in corrections included developing a reintegration facilitation program for mentally disordered offenders.

He said it is important to include those who are disenfranchised.

At the council table, he hopes to bring together the various diverse facets of the community.

“I consider myself resourceful, thrifty and innovative, believing in pulling together a community rather than dividing it,” he said.

He added that he is concerned about the polarization which has affected some public discussions.

“What I see as important is to stop the fragmentation,” he said. “We need to have a plan that can work towards dispute resolution.”

While Boisvert-Gilman has not been a council member, he said he has many years of political involvement, beginning when he was 17.

His past involvement in politics has included serving on campaign committees for New Democratic Party MLA Bill Barlee and New Democratic Party MP Jack Whittaker.

He was also the founder of the Summerland NDP Club.

The municipal election will be on Saturday, Nov. 15.

Nominations will be accepted from Tuesday, Sept. 30 to Friday, Oct. 10.

 

 



John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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