The deadline is approaching for those who wish to run for a position on municipal council or the school board.
Nomination papers will be accepted until Sept. 9 and at present., Graham Statt, chief administrative officer for Summerland, said there has been interest in the various positions. Summerland has one mayor, six municipal councillors and two school trustees.
The election will be held Saturday, Oct. 15, and those elected will serve four-year terms.
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Statt said there is considerable work involved for those who are elected. In 2021, Summerland council had 99 meetings including afternoon and evening council meetings, public hearings and closed meetings. These do not include meetings where council members attend as liaisons for municipal committees or where members of council participate on the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen board of directors.
Because of the number of meetings, serving on council can be a significant time commitment, Statt said.
“It’s a labour love and it requires a passion for public service,” he said.
In 2021, Summerland’s mayor received $37,123.68 in remuneration while the six municipal councillors each received $16,705.77.
The decisions made at the council table can include community plans as well as property variances and dock permits.
During the present council’s term, some of the council accomplishments have involved upgrades at Isintok Lake, improvements on Giant’s Head Road and the addition of water bottle fill stations at spots around the community.
In Summerland and many other communities, candidates do not normally run as part of a political party or a slate of candidates. As a result, Statt said the effect is to have the equivalent of seven parties or seven unique positions at the council table.
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