Pirjo Raits
Daniel Chauvin
Sooke News Mirror
The candidates who won in the District if Sooke municipal election were asked to make a few comments and they responded with the following statements, in no particular order.
Some answers were in the form of an e-mail, others were stated on election night.
Ebony Logins
First time councillor
The love and support I’ve felt over the past few months is indescribable. You may know by now that I’m always up for a good challenge. This will be a great term and more than anything, I look forward to sharing all I learn with youth in Sooke!
I am pleased that both plebiscite questions were passed with a ‘Yes’ vote. By working with an experienced team and excellent leader, I know we will accomplish many great things for the Sooke region. Thank you.
Rick Kasper
Incumbent
The voters are always right. I want to congratulate everyone that ran. It was a great flushing out of ideas and public debate.
I am excited for Sooke and especially for the youth. The new council will work together to work on various community projects: road, trails and downtown core.
One thing i guarantee: in four years people will not recognize the downtown core with sidewalks, bike trails and more.
Thankyou!”
Bev Berger
Incumbent
I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to serve on council for a third term.
Sooke truly is a slice of paradise, I feel confident that we have some solid plans in place to move our community forward.
This council will be tasked with some tough decisions regarding our contracted services; we will have to look at what is financially best for our town.
Going forward I would like to continue my work with the SEAPARC board. Recreation for all ages in an integral part of community. I would also like to have the opportunity to be a voice at the CRD board, Sooke only has one vote at the table and I feel that my experience has given me incite with how dynamic that group can be.
I feel strongly that a diverse, experienced, and community minded council will succeed and I think we have that.
Thank you.
Kevin Pearson
Incumbent
“The results were interesting. The message I’ve taken away is five of six from local government were returned. Herb is out and Wendal stepped out, the mesage is that Sooke is happy with the current directuon.”
Asked if he would do anything differently, he said he would be just a little more agile to change and take the cues and make the changes. He said he has no regrets stating that the first three years were a learning exercise.
“Hopefully I’ve built on the experience I’ve got.”
He said he did not regret not running for mayor, stating it was a “personal choice for his personal life. I think Sooke’s chosen wisely, that’s what democracy is all about.”
Kerrie Reay
Incumbent
“I think it was a great response and I’m pleased with how many got out to vote. There’s a message and I think it’s a great message. The community is not just looking for business, it’s looking for creativity and innovation.
Would I do anything different?
“There’s always a lesson to be learned.”
What she said she learned was she won’t be supporting motions on the fly because it mires council and delays decision making.
If she has any regrets it is that she feels the last council did not do enough community consultation
She feels more public forums are necessary.
Brenda Parkinson
Prior councillor
Parkinson said she was a little disappointed that a couple of candidates didn’t get in.
“I would have liked to see them in,” she said. “It’ll be fine with who’s there, we’ll work together.
Would she do anything different?
“We worked really hard on the campaign, we had a great team, support from family and friends. I’m happy with the outcome and the work we did.”
No regrets, she said, “I’m happy I ran and made it, we had the perfect team.”
The new council will be sworn in on December 1.