Third new candidate presented for city council elections
By Kyra Hoggan
A third new candidate has thrown his hat into the ring in the upcoming city council elections, slated for Nov. 19 (with advanced polling on Nov. 8 and 9 at the Community Forum from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
Incumbents Deb McIntosh, Kevin Chernoff, Russ Hearne and Gord Turner have already filed nominations papers, while sitting councillor Kirk Duff has not yet filed but declared his intention to do so. Bernie Krueckl will not be seeking re-election, and mayor Lawrence Chernoff is, so far, running unopposed. Nominations close tomorrow (Friday) at 4 p.m. Fully 16 nomination packages have been issued, but it’s not uncommon for many to remain unreturned. Rookie contenders include Sue Heaton-Sherstobitoff, Dan Rye, and – now – Peter Wulowka. The 41-year-old carpenter/small business owner specializes in yard esthetics projects and volunteers with Communities in Bloom. He openly admits to having no political experience, bar attending city meetings and asking questions, but he says this may actually work to his advantage. “I think I have something to bring to the table – fresh eyes, a different insight,” he said. “I came to the conclusion, after living here 31 years, that I’ll be living the rest of my life in Castlegar, and I’d like to be a part of the decision-making and to help plan for the future.” Wulowka said he thinks airport lands will become an issue in upcoming civic elections, as will new incarnations of recreation expansion, perhaps with a different configuration and price tag. “I’d like to see the store fronts in town dressed up, and made more appealing,” he added. “I’d really like to see Castlegar and the surrounding area preserve and protect the natural beauty of the region. We should have a say in what’s going on in our own backyards,” he said, referring specifically to mining and exploration slated for the region. “I’d also like to see more local and youth involvement in initiatives like city (branding, as opposed to hiring) contractors from outside the area.” He also pointed out that Sunfest used to be aligned with exciting events like jet-boat racing on the Columbia River, and baseball tournaments, etc., and he’d like to see some of those tourist-draws resurrected. Wulowka declined to take a position on urban goats and chickens. The All Candidates Forum, slated for Nov. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Castlegar Complex, will feature debate and discussion on these issues and more, with candidates fielding questions from both the media and the public.
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