Unless more candidates for City of Powell River mayor come forward before the nomination period closes on Friday, September 14, the race will be between Powell River residents Ron Woznow and Glenn Holstine, and current mayor Dave Formosa.
Woznow has been campaigning since declaring his candidacy in January 2018. He is running under a banner he said includes openness, respect, proven leadership and job creation.
A relative newcomer to the city, he moved to Powell River with his wife Susan O’Brien in 2013.
Despite going up against an incumbent mayor with a household name, when asked, Woznow said he does not see himself as an underdog.
“No. Because of the feedback we're getting at the door,” said Woznow. “We've knocked on over 4,000 doors, talked to roughly 1,800 people and the predominant theme from them is it's time for a change.”
Holstine is also running on a fresh-start platform, but he said he does not have grandiose ideas or any conflicts of interest. He ran unsuccessfully for council in 2011 and said his campaign is straightforward and simple.
“It’s the upkeep of our town; the basic necessities of what we need as far as infrastructure, like roads and waterworks,” said Holstine.
Formosa, who has served two terms as mayor and was elected by acclamation in 2014, said he is running on his record, leadership and continuity, and at the urging of investors he has brought to Powell River.
“These companies have been very specific that they're expecting me to run again because they'd like my leadership to see it through,” said Formosa. “I believe the community is firing on all 12 cylinders and doing great.”
The all-candidates forum, sponsored by Powell River Chamber of Commerce, for the positions of mayor and six councillors will be held on Tuesday, October 2, at Evergreen Theatre in Powell River Recreation Complex.
Powell River residents go to the polls in the general election on Saturday, October 20.
