Potential candidates interested in a seat on municipal council have been picking up nomination packages at municipal hall, but the mayor and councillor positions are more demanding than they first appear.
Maureen Fugeta, chief elections officer for the municipality, said the evening council meetings, held on the second and fourth Monday of the month, are only a small part of the responsibilities.
When evening council meetings are held, the members of council also attend the Committee of the Whole meetings in the morning, and on Mondays when council does not hold its formal meetings, there are various other committee meetings, depending on what is happening.
Council members also sit on other boards and committees and attend public open houses when required.
“You will need to spend a lot of time reading and also talking with the residents, administrative staff and other people,” she said.
“All this will be necessary to prepare for meetings so you can make informed decisions. Don’t forget that you also need time for your home life and your work. The demands on your time will be heavy.”
Members of council must work as a team and individual members cannot commit the municipality to any expenditures or courses of action on their own.
She said those interested in seeking office for the mayor or councillor positions should take time in advance to determine what is involved in the job.
Once the new council is formed, municipal staff will hold a training session for the new members to familiarize them with the workings of the municipality.
The nomination papers for mayor, councillor and school trustee are available at municipal hall.
Nomination papers may be delivered from Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 9 a.m. until Friday, Oct. 14 at 4 p.m.
The originals of any documents faxed to the chief election officer must be delivered by Friday, Oct. 21 at 4 p.m.
That date is also the deadline for those wishing to withdraw their nominations.
Summerlanders will elect one mayor and six municipal councillors as well as two trustees to serve on the Okanagan Skaha School Board.
The election will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Advance polls will be held Nov. 9 and Nov. 16 at municipal hall.
The new council will be sworn in on Monday, Dec. 5.