Town Council.
Oliver will soon have Petra Veintimilla on Council; she got the largest number of any candidate with a total of (899) votes.
When asked for comments Petra said; “I’m excited!” Then she commented; “I worked hard campaigning last week and I campaigned up to the last minute today”. Petra has a steep learning curve as the newest member of Oliver Council and when asked about her new challenges she stated; “I like to do my homework, I am up for a good debate on matters which affect the Town, and I don’t always go with the flow.”
Veintimilla also stated that she believes her ‘win’ is an indication that; “the majority of voters are looking into the future of Oliver.”
Councillor Elect Maureen Doerr was happy about her win (837) but she commented that she will miss Dave Mattes on Council. Mo is looking forward to another 4 years on Council.
Councillor Elect Larry Schwartzenberger received (758) votes and he commented that he was sorry to see Dave go but at the same time he said; “I am happy I made it.” He stated that he believes Petra will do a good job.
Councillor Elect Jack Bennest said; “it’s better to be 4th than 5th.” It took a few seconds to pick up the thread but then it clicked! Regardless of his humorous comment, Jack has a reputation of taking all his Town business seriously. He had 4 less votes than Schwartzenberger and 33 more than Mattes. There was a 145 vote difference between the top candidate and the 4th place cut off.
Mayor Ron Hovanes attended the vote count and when asked to comment he said that he will miss Dave Mattes but he has a great Council and at the end of the day the community has chosen those people it wants to have represent them. He is looking forward to working with Councillor Elect Veintimilla.
School District #53 – Two trustees elected
Rachel Allenbrand was a strong winner for Trustee with (1155) votes accompanied by Rob Zandee with (1033) votes. With all her involvement in SD 53 as a volunteer, Rachel will have no problem taking on the hard work and responsibility of being our new trustee. Unfortunately Rachel was not available for comment.
Zandee stated; “I am looking forward to continuing work on existing projects and I am happy that so many people out to vote.”
Area ‘C’ Director
Terry Schafer was elected as the new Director for Rural Area ‘C’. He beat out his closest opponent with (367) votes to Rick Knodel’s (270). Joel Malcolm came last with (53) votes. Terry will have a tough grind ahead of him; the job of a Rural Director is tough as anyone who has sat at the RDOS Board table will tell you.
Venables referendum.
Probably the best news of the evening was the success of the Frank Venables Theatre Referendum with (1,364) votes for and (458) against. Permission now granted to raise funds for the marketing and management of the theatre.
A great addition to Oliver’s cultural society and receiving guaranteed funding means that the venue will never have to ‘penny pinch’.