Nelson Mayor Deb Kozak seeks re-election
By Nelson Daily Staff
Incumbent Mayor Deb Kozak announced Friday her intention to seek re-election when Nelson residents go to the polls in upcoming municipal election in October.
Kozak, with more than 10 years in municipal politics — nine years as a Councillor and four years as Mayor — said she has held true on a promise to have the difficult conversations needed in order to move Nelson forward as a community.
“As your Mayor, I have worked tirelessly and without fanfare, foregoing photo ops in favour of meaningful conversations,” Kozak said in a media release. “I have led a diverse Council in setting policy that addresses many complex issues facing our community.”
Kozak said a few of the key issues facing Nelson are the threats of wildfires, securing water for residents and best road to take to ensure continued prosperity for the Heritage City.
“Young, old, long-time resident or newcomer, everyone agrees that Nelson is a great place to live and we all work hard to keep it that way,” Kozak explained.
“A lot of public consultation and expert input went into developing the shared vision for Nelson contained in the plans adopted by previous councils. I want to oversee the continuity of this work in bringing those shared plans to life.”
Kozak defeated incumbent John Dooley and candidate Pat Severyn during the last election in 2014.
During the past four years, Kozak has watched as council continued to make infrastructure improvements, including the Hall Street Revitalization Project and improvements to the Railtown district.
“Infrastructure repair, protecting, monitoring and regulating all activity in our watersheds will be a top priority for me in my next term,” Kozak said.
“I also believe strongly that my continued work on the Columbia River Treaty is a critical piece to secure future water sources for all Basin residents,” she added.
Kozak, who plans on continuing the work as Mayor during the campaign, said she is open to hear from residents in the upcoming weeks.
“I look forward to seeing (residents), and to having those conversations . . . as we continue to work together to make our community the best it can be.”
Other candidates on the ballot for seats on council in the fall municipal election include, Cal Renwick, Michelle Hillaby, Stephanie Wiggins, Charles Jeanes and incumbent Robin Cherbo. Renwick, Hillaby and Wiggins are running as candidates on the non-partisan CORE party slate.
