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DeRosa ending 27-year run on Trail council

“I will continue with promoting the importance and wellness of our river.” - Gord DeRosa
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Trail councillor Gord DeRosa was recognized by the Columbia Basin Trust for his dedication in 2011. The long-time councillor won’t be seeking re-election this year but will continue his work with the CBT.

There's some big shoes to fill when long time Coun. Gord DeRosa retires from politics later this year.

The 27-year city councillor told the Trail Times Tuesday morning that he is honoured and appreciative that citizens have put their trust in him for so many years but it's time to move onto other city activities more on the “artsy” side of things.

“I will continue with promoting the importance and wellness of our river,” he said.

“Beyond that, Columbia Basin Trust will get my full attention but that still leaves room for involving myself in other civic attractions.”

With the nomination period for the Nov. 15 civic election now open until Oct. 10, the area's municipalities have all handed out the necessary paperwork to potential candidates, although only a few have officially stepped forward and formalized their intent to run.

Familiar faces and one new newcomer are included in the 17 nomination packages the The City of Trail has dispersed to date.

So far, first time nominee Lisa Pasin has joined the municipal council race. She will run alongside the five returning Trail councillors, Robert Cacchioni, Kevin Jolly, Sean Mackinlay, Eleanor Gattafoni-Robinson and Rick Georgetti.

And with three “worships” confirming their retirement this year, the mayoral race could heat up in the next 45 days.

Earlier this year, Trail Mayor Dieter Bogs announced he was ready to retire after 27-years in the political arena, and so far two potential residents have stepped forward to head the helm.

Mike Martin, a long time resident and former general manager from Teck Trail Operations is seeking the position, he said to lead the city through its revitalization and other strategic initiatives with a focus on enhancing growth, vitality and pride.

Former Local 480 President, Doug Jones, is also in the running because he is passionate about the area and community and following last year's retirement, he now has the time to take on the demand of the mayor's job.

Further up the hill, Warfield Mayor Bert Crockett is looking forward to hanging up his political hat to take time to enjoy retirement full time alongside his wife, children and grandchildren.

By press time there was no word back if the village's current council is ready for another go, but Warfield's Chief Election Officer (CEO) Allana Ferro said that often, potential candidates don't step forward until later in the fall, but 10 nomination packages had been distributed to interested residents.

Rossland Mayor Greg Granstrom confirmed with the Trail Times Monday that he will be seeking a third term in the Golden City. Besides Granstrom filing his paperwork Tuesday, Rossland city hall hadn't received any further nomination packages.

He adds to the list of two other local mayors who are also seeking another term.

Montrose Mayor Joe Danchuk is ready to tackle the position for four more years as is Fruitvale Mayor Patricia Cecchini – both are currently finishing their first term.

News of possible council candidates in either Beaver Valley community is still quiet, though Fruitvale Coun. Tabatha Webber confirmed she will seek a seat for a second time.

Three-term Mayor of Salmo, Ann Henderson, confirmed Tuesday morning that she will not be running in the Nov. 15 civic election.

There's no official word if the village's four-member council will seek another term, but after 27 nomination packages were picked up from the municipal office, Salmo could see an interesting race to fill all five seats.

Locally in the regional district, Area A Director Ali Grieve has confirmed she will seek another term as will Linda Worley, director for Area B.

Theresa Lenardon, CEO for the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary noted that by noon Tuesday, one nomination package had been distributed to Area A and two to Area B.

Candidates sometimes wait until the very last moment to file papers, (4 p.m. Oct. 10) Lenardon said, adding that the RDKB may get more packages between now and then in all electoral areas.

After legislative changes were completed a few months ago, elected local government officials will now serve a four year term instead of three.

This includes positions on councils, regional district electoral area directors and local school trustees.

During the Monday night School District 20 (SD20) meeting at the Kootenay Columbia Learning Centre, trustees representing the City of Trail, Lorraine Manning and Mark Wilson, confirmed they will seek another term. Trail resident Terry Hanik is also running for a seat of the board.

Other current trustees ready to commit to another four years are Rossland's Gord Smith; Toni Driutti representing Warfield, and parts of Area B and Area J; Kim Mandoli and SD20 board chair Darrel Ganzert, both representing Fruitvale, Montrose and Area A.



Sheri Regnier

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