As the clock ticks down and the end of the nomination period for city council nears, there will be at least four familiar names on the ballot.
Sue Attrill has already said she’ll be seeking re-election. She’ll be joined by Chuck Stam and Ken Popove, who both announced this week they’ll be seeking another term.
Incumbent Jason Lum said earlier that he’s after a second term on city council, and his trademark might be his accessibility.
His cell number is listed on his business card, and he’s engaged on social media.
As an active member on council, chairing committees and working to raise the profile of key issues like homelessness and flood protection.
Lum is also a small business owner, and a member of the Mount Cheam Rotary Club, with deep roots in the community.
He just made UFV’s Top 40 list of outstanding alumni whose ideas, passion, leadership and achievements have helped shape UFV and the communities they serve. Lum is a longtime resident of Chilliwack, and currently lives in Yarrow with his wife, Sheila.Check his site at www.jasonlum.ca or reach out on www.facebook.com/lum4citycouncil and Twitter @jasonlum.
Incumbent Ken Popove said he’s excited to be running for re-election.
Serving on nine boards, Ken Popove also co-chairs Chilliwack Healthier Community, and is eyeing even greater engagement if re-elected.
Popove just began chairing the Low Barrier Housing Committee which is working to improve housing for the homeless in Chilliwack.
“The plan for the Downtown Core is no doubt an aggressive one, but it’s the right one,” he said. “Doing nothing hasn’t worked.”
Popove said he’s ready for the hard work Chilliwack needs to evolve.
“We’re in this together, it’s our city and our future.”
Popove’s first Cultus Lake Beach Party was held in 1987 to raise funds for a children’s park that still stands today. He founded Ken’s Tire & Wheel in 1994, was on the DT BIA board in 2000 and in 2011 he won a seat on council.
See more on Facebook on his ‘Electkenpopove’ page.
Incumbent Chuck Stam announced this week he is also running again.
“Serving the citizens of Chilliwack for the past 15 years has been an enormous honour with much accomplished with much more to go,” he said.
While Chilliwack has of the lowest property tax rates in the Lower Mainland, the community’s list of needs is still long.
“We need a strong team of dedicated council members to work together to maintain balance and our enviable debt free status.”
During the 2014 election campaign, Stam said he will focus on: public safety, agriculture, jobs, transit, environment, housing, recreation, culture, and tourism.
“I value and strongly support our relations with our First Nations neighbours and senior levels of government as they deliver the much needed services we depend on every day.
“As always, I’m looking forward to our discussions, questions, debates and display of love for Chilliwack from our citizens and candidates in this election.”
Meanwhile, incumbent Ken Huttema will not be seeking re-election. And Stewart McLean has yet to say whether he’ll be running again.
Nominations close at 4 p.m., Friday Oct. 10,