4 candidates declared for board of Skaha school district

With nominations closing this afternoon, there are only four candidates declared for Penticton’s representative on the board of the Okanagan Skaha school district.

As of 9 a.m., Thursday, the four candidates declared were incumbents Shelley Clarke and Barb Sheppard, newcomer Tracy Van Raes, and Teresa Hebert, who ran unsuccessfully in 2014.

Incumbents Bruce Johnson and Bill Bidlake are not seeking re-election.

There are four spots up for grabs. A fifth challenger would force an election.

Hebert spent 21 years on the North OkanaganShuswap board before moving to Penticton in 2014 to be closer to her grandchildren.

Anyone interested in running should pick up a package at Penticton City Hall during regular business hours. Ten nominee signatures are required. Nominations close today at 4 p.m. sharp.

Meanwhile, there will be an election in Summerland. Incumbents Linda Van Alphen and Julie Planiden, who now resides in Oliver, will be challenged by retired teacher David Stathers and Summerland Mayor Peter Waterman. (Waterman is not running for re-election for the position of mayor.)

Rural trustee Ginny Manning, who represents Kaleden, Naramata and the West Bench, is expected to be acclaimed for a third straight election.