And we have a race.
Bowen now has two incumbent councillors running against one another for the top job.
On the last day of nominations, Melanie Mason entered the mayoral race against Gary Ander. Mason is a relatively new import to Bowen, having moved here five years ago and winning her seat a year after arriving. Though her profile isn’t up on the municipality’s website yet, Mason has been an advocate for improved transportation to, from and on Bowen.
Mason is up against long-time islander, contractor business-person Gary Ander. According to his BIM candidate profile, the retired Air Canada pilot is on seven municipal committees and is on the boards of several other local organizations.
Touting a balanced approach to government, Ander’s candidate’s profile says, “Through our inevitable period of growth that we must be very cautious to not lose what makes Bowen – ‘Bowen’.”
As for the councillors, nine people have entered their names for the six council seats.
Current councillors Sue Ellen Fast, Michael Kaile, Alison Morse and Maureen Nicholson are seeking re-election. Fast, Kaile and Nicholson are currently in their first term on council while Morse has been on every council since the municipality incorporated in 1999.
David Hocking is running for a second term in office, though it would be his first in the past decade. Hocking was on council between 2005 and 2008.
Peter Williamson is throwing his hat in the ring for the second time after an unsuccessful run in 2014.
First time councillor candidates include Robin Burger, Lawrence Phillips and Rob Wynen.
Running for the two Islands Trust Municipal Trustee are Sue Ellen Fast, Michael Kaile, Alison Morse and Peter Williamson. Fast and Morse are the two Bowen representatives on the current Islands Trust council.
Bowen has no candidates for the West Vancouver School Board (indeed, there is only one person from outside West Vancouver running in that race.)
Candidates have until September 21 to withdraw from the election and the campaign period starts September 22.
On September 29, there will be an all candidates meeting at Bowen Island Community School, between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The advance voting day is Wednesday, October 10 and the general voting day is Saturday, October 20.
If you are unable to vote mail out ballots will start being distributed on or before October 3. To receive a ballot by mail you must first register with the chief election officer (must be before end-of-day October 12.)
We will update this story when all the candidate profiles become available on the BIM site.
