Mayor Stu Wells has now confirmed he has dropped out of the race opening up the possibility that Osoyoos will have its first woman Mayor.

Suzan McKortoff, present councillor, filed her papers for the Mayor’s chair late this afternoon.

Mayor Wells says it hit him at 7:11 yesterday morning that this was the right decision – that he needed a breather in his political life indicating there is more to come.

Stu Wells says this is just a hiatus.

Was he disappointed at the loss of an AAP on the new firehall? Yes but predicts that the people of Osoyoos will vote overwhelmingly in favour of it on November 15th.

Wells says the fire department has a big job ahead of them in the next 36 days but feels it will get done.

Sue McKortoff contacted by ODN late this afternoon says she was given a heads up over what would be happening and had a chance to file her paperwork in time for the deadline.

McKortoff says she will run a positive campaign and hopes to see a great council after November 15th.

The following running for councillor in Osoyoos – only one incumbent

Jean Clarke
Jim King
Sy Murseli
C J Rhodes Incumbent
John Slater
Carol Youngberg
Mike Campol

Claude Moreira (WATER) Elected by Acclamation Incumbent
Sarabjit Rai (WATER) Elected by Acclamation

A 2nd incumbent – Water Councillor Tony Laranjo decided not to seek re-election.