Fort St. John election field taking shape

The race for Fort St. John City Hall is beginning to take shape, with eight people having submitted their nomination papers as of Friday, Sept. 4, and several days still remaining for more names to join them.

We already know at least two familiar names are planning to run for mayor this fall, with Mayor Lilia Hansen announcing she will seek another term and current Councillor Trevor Bolin also announced on social media that he intends to make a run.

Hansen announced earlier this week that she will seek another four years as mayor after first being elected to the position in 2022, following two terms around the council table.

“Fort St. John is my home. It’s where I’ve built my career, raised my family, volunteered and had the incredible privilege of serving as Mayor,” said Hansen. “Four years ago, residents placed their trust in me to lead our community. I’m asking for the opportunity to continue that work.”

There are plenty of familiar names looking for another four years around the council table too, with Gord Klassen, Tony Zabinsky, Sarah MacDougall and Jim Lequiere all filing for re-election, while Ovvian Hill, Kevin Stigners and Jane Drew have stepped forward looking for a seat of their own.

Klassen submitted his nomination papers at City Hall alongside his wife Sharon, saying that even after years of serving the community, putting his name forward again hasn't lost the feeling that comes with it.

“Submitting nomination papers never loses its feeling of ‘the first time,’” Klassen wrote. “There’s always that spark, the excitement, anticipation, and the sense of stepping once again into something meaningful.”

MacDougall is seeking her second term after spending the past four years on council, saying she took some time to look back at what she has learned and what representing Fort St. John has meant to her before deciding she wasn't quite ready to be done yet.

“That reflection has led me to a decision: I want to continue,” said MacDougall. “I will be seeking a second term on Fort St. John City Council in the upcoming municipal election.”

Lequiere will be looking for another four years as well after first being elected during the 2021 by-election and returning to council in the 2022 general election.

“There isn't a week that goes by when a neighbour, friend, or citizen doesn't approach me with a question or concern about a bylaw, a City project, or something happening in our community. I take those conversations seriously,” said Lequiere.

Zabinsky has also officially submitted his nomination papers and is seeking another term, rounding out the four sitting councillors whose names currently appear on the City's list.

Three newcomers are also looking for one of the six seats around the council table, including Ovvian Hill, who described herself in announcing her campaign as an artist, author, filmmaker, community volunteer and someone who works in settlement helping people and the community.

“I hope to represent sectors currently not being heard at council,” wrote Hill. “I humbly seek your vote.”

Kevin Stigners has also put his name forward, saying his campaign will put an emphasis on truth, integrity, fairness, accountability and listening to residents.

“My commitment is simple: to serve with integrity, seek the truth, listen carefully, act fairly, and work collaboratively to help build a strong, innovative, and prosperous future for Fort St. John,” wrote Stigners.

Jane Drew is another new name in this year's council race, officially filing her nomination papers this week and saying she hopes to bring integrity, transparency and respect to the council table.

“It’s official! I’ve signed, sealed and delivered, for the opportunity to serve our community with integrity, transparency and respect! I appreciate the opportunity to run to be part of a dynamic team in a dynamic community! October 17th please vote, regardless of who your preference is,” wrote Drew.

While several familiar faces are looking to return, at least one longtime member of council won't be back after this election, with Councillor Byron Stewart announcing he will step away from municipal politics after 15 years rather than seek another term.

“I believe that leadership is more like a relay than a solo sprint. You run your leg, you do your best for the team, and then, most importantly, you hand over the baton. Holding onto it forever isn’t leadership; it is not teamwork; it’s just refusing to let go. And it is that time for me,” said Stewart.

There is still time for more names to come forward before nominations close at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, and after that Fort St. John will have a much better idea what this year's race is really going to look like.

Then it will be a little more than a month of signs, conversations, coffee shop talk and campaigning before voters head to the polls Oct. 17 and decide who they want leading the city for the next four years.