This is the first set of responses of three Qs to be sent to all of the Salmon Arm council candidates. All 3 Q&As will be posted before the first Advance Poll on Oct 7th. Check back for Q2 on the degree of control and flexibility over their own weekly schedule so that they can fully participate in the many meetings required Due Sunday Sept 27th noon
Q1: Context: This Q was going to be posed to you anyhow but the recent speculation of possible election calls from higher levels of govt has brought this to the forefront. The continuity of having elected local govt representatives in place over a full 4-year term is vital to the functioning of the council table. Do you commit to completing the full 2026 – 2030 term as a SA Councillor and to not run in any provincial or federal election during that time?
Click on Continue Reading for the Q1 responses!
: Q&A #1 for Council Candidates| Council Candidate | Response |
| Shelley Desautels | Yes. I am running for Council knowing it is a four-year commitment because I want to serve our community at the local level. I am not seeking this position as a stepping stone to higher levels of government. If elected, I will dedicate myself fully to the role and term. |
| Ian Gray | I have no ambition of being a career politician. My one and only reason for running for council is to be a part of the choices our community members wish to see come to reality. To secure the future of our great city and insure future prosperity. |
| Drayson Netzelwood | Thank you for your first question. Yes, I fully commit to serving the full term. I have no interest in running in either the provincial or federal election. |
| Kari Toliver Wilkinson | Thank you for your question. No! I do not intend to run in any provincial or federal elections over the next 4 years. My commitment is to Salmon Arm. |
| Aaron Canart | I will absolutely not run in any provincial or federal election during the 2026-2030 term. |
| Robin Wiens | Yes. My commitment to run for council was considered seriously and in consultation with family and close friends. We all understand that the commitment to the city is for the duration of the term. |
| Debbie Cannon | YES |
| Vic Hamilton | Yes. My interest is in governance not in pursuit of any political ambitions. |
| Morgan Turland | Absolutely. I have no interest in running for provincial or federal office and am committed to serving the full term. I want to focus on Salmon Arm. Being a city councillor is an amazing opportunity to serve this city, and I want to work to guide its growth and future. |
| Scott Syme | Yes, absolutely. I’m committing to a four-year term, and I intend to see it through. It doesn’t sit well with me to take on a role and not finish something I’ve committed to, even if another opportunity comes along. |
| Louise Wallace Richmond | Yes. My focus is Salmon Arm. Local government is closest to community. While federal and provincial representation is important, and Council works with MPs and MLAs, I have no interest in being one of them. I much prefer the practical nature of local government as opposed to partisan leadership models. |
| River Grabowsky | Yes – I am genuinely committed to serve Salmon Arm for a full term and beyond. I believe municipal governance has the most direct, relevant and evident impact on our lives. Ideally, even stronger continuity could exist with a succession or mentorship period that includes a brief overlap of terms. |
| Owen Madden | I am not putting my name forward for a 2026 provincial election should it occur – I have commitments to my nominees and the City. Beyond that I would be honoured to be a city councillor and will make personal commitments as I see fit. It’s an unpredictable world currently. |
| Marianne VanBuskirk | Yes, I absolutely commit to serving the full 2026–2030 term as a Salmon Arm Councillor. I will not run for provincial or federal office during this time. My undivided attention belongs to our community, and residents deserve that consistent representation. |
| Adam Meikle | I can say with certainty that I will commit to the 4 year term. That is the required commitment and that is what I’ll do. Thanks for the question |
| David Gonella | Without reservation, I fully commit to fulfilling the full four-year term as a Salmon Arm Councillor if re-elected for 2026–2030. I will not run in a provincial or federal election during that term. |
| Jo McDermott | Yes, I fully commit to completing the full 4-year city council term. The honour and privilege of serving Salmon Arm is something that I take very seriously. I see the relationship between elected officials and their constituents as a contract that should not be broken. |
| Anthony McLean | Yes |
