One week into the nomination period, Bowen still has only one mayoral candidate.
Current first-time councillor Gary Ander is running for the seat at the head of the table. The former Air Canada pilot and part-time contractor has lived on Bowen full-time for the past 25 years.
As it stands, the Bowen Island Municipality website lists five people running for the six council seats.
Robin Berger has spent more than two decades addressing housing concerns on-island. Her candidate profile says that she’s worked with the Vancouver School Board and vulnerable populations.
“I have lived, worked and volunteered on the island, commuted for employment and university, with an understanding of the implications of all of this while raising a family,” reads Berger’s profile.
Current first-time councillor Michael Kaile, islander of 12 years, is running again. Kaile spent more than three decades in the hospitality industry, working all over the world before settling in B.C.
“The last four years have taught me that issues we deal with may appear simple on the surface when, in fact, they are complex and deeply interconnected,” reads his candidate profile.
Sue Ellen Fast, currently in her first term as a councillor and Islands Trust trustee, is running for both positions again. She’s lived on Bowen since 1992 and currently co-runs a consulting company from her home.
“A small, friendly, caring community, sharing a unique island lifestyle and supported by well-protected natural ecosystems. That’s what I’m working toward,” says Fast’s profile.
Rob Wynen, former Vancouver School Board member and health consultant has served on several local capacities, including Bowen Island Transportation Advisory Committee and the Bowfest board.
“We live in such a unique place, one that deserves good governance and creative solutions to the rapidly changing world around us,” says Wynen’s profile.
Maureen Nicholson, current councillor and chair of Douglas College Communications Departments submitted her nomination papers Monday. While Nicholson’s profile isn’t up on the BIM site yet, she’s served as a Bowen representative for Metro Vancouver in this past term and chairs three local committees.
Alison Morse threw her hat into the ring for councillor and Islands Trust trustee Tuesday. Her profile is also not on the BIM site yet, but Morse is Bowen’s longest standing councillor and the only person to be on every council since the municipality incorporated in 1999.
Former councillor David Hocking entered the fray Wednesday. His online profile says that, if elected, he would concentrate on housing, transportation, and protecting Bowen's natural areas.
Lawrence Phillips entered the race Thursday. The islander of 15 years says in his candidate profile that he is concerned with the high cost of housing on-island.
"If elected, I will work to amend the secondary suite bylaw to include smaller properties. I will work to halt the sale and rezoning of community lands, asses the need for housing and commence construction of non-market, one, two and three bedroom rental homes," reads Phillips' profile.
The nomination period closes Friday September 14 at 4 p.m.
If you're thinking about running for mayor or council, check out our series where we interviewed the current mayor and council about their experiences: mayor Murray Skeels, councillor Michael Kaile, councillor Sue Ellen Fast, councillor Maureen Nicholson, councillor Gary Ander, councillor Melanie Mason
