Kitimat’s mayor Phil Germuth will be seeking re-election this fall and so will four out of the six councillors now on the council.
Germuth is serving his second term as the mayor following one term as a councillor.
Veteran councillor Rob Goffinet will not be seeking re-election. The 73-year-old said he is hanging up his boots after 14 years on council. “I am happily retiring,” said Goffinet, adding that although he would have loved to continue, it would not be prudent to do so. “If I commit, I will be 77-years-old before I get to retire,” Goffinet said.
Councillor Lani Gibson will not be seeking re-election either owing to family and career commitments.
Gibson, a lawyer, said although she is not running for council due to lack of time, she is encouraging more diverse people to run for council.
“Lot of people don’t understand the power of the local government and the numerous decisions made at that this level,” Gibson said, adding, “It has been a privilege and I’m grateful for everyone who voted and I have admiration for council and staff for their commitment.”
She is also encouraging younger people to run for council and said there’s child care subsidy available in the hope that people with children will consider running.
Councillors Mario Feldhoff, Terry Marleau, Mark Zielinski and Edwin Empinado will all be seeking re-election.
The District of Kitimat will host a candidate information session on Aug. 25 for the members of the public to overview roles of the mayor and councillor. The meeting will be held at the council chambers, 606 Mountainview square from 7 p.m. onward.
On October 15, 2022, a general local election will be held to elect a mayor and six councillors for the District of Kitimat.