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Leader of Clean Streets Penticton enters mayor’s race

Jason Reynen became Penticton’s fourth mayoral candidate
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Over 200 people showed up to protest levels of crime and to support a new group called Clean Streets Penticton. (Monique Tamminga Western News)

The leader of a group frustrated with what they call out-of-control crime in Penticton has entered the city’s mayoral race.

Jason Reynen, one of the founders of Clean Streets Penticton, is running for mayor in the Oct. 15 election.

Reynen’s group was formed as a protest against the crime and harassment that they say is taking place all over the city.

Hundreds of people gathered at Gyro Park on July 19 for a protest organized by Reynen. Current mayor John Vassilaki was among those in attendance to meet with the group’s leaders about the uprise in crime across the city.

Reynen is one of four mayoral candidates in the race, as of Thursday afternoon, Sept. 8.

Reynen officially filed his nomination papers on Thursday. Clean Streets Penticton is planning another rally outside the Wholesale Club at Industrial Avenue and Main Street Saturday morning, Sept. 10.

“This is an opportunity to share some stories, update the members, introduce some guests and celebrate the successes of this amazing group in a relaxed and friendly environment,” the group wrote on Facebook.

“We will have music, some BBQ items, and a lot of positive community members who all share a vision of a safer and more accessible community for us to enjoy.”

Shannon Stewart, the administrator of the group, is also eyeing a public office seat this October. The Interior Health social worker is among nearly a dozen people vying for one of the six city councillor chairs.

Joining Reynen as mayoral candidates are current mayor John Vassilaki, current councillor Julius Bloomfield and local tattoo shop owner Corey Hounslow.

Election day is Oct. 15.

READ MORE: Owner of local tattoo shop enters mayor’s race in Penticton


@lgllockhart
logan.lockhart@pentictonwesternnews.com