While dozens of municipal election candidates are busy running their campaigns in hopes of gaining or retaining a seat, Highlands council members are taking it easy.
For the first time in Highlands history no one is running against any of the incumbent councillors or mayor.
Councillors Allen Dobb, Diane Gill, Sigurd Johannesen, Marcie McLean, Karel Roessingh and Ken Williams, and Mayor Jane Mendum, are elected by acclimation.
The fact that council members aren’t out door knocking and pounding election signs into the ground came as a shock to Mendum.
“I was surprised,” Mendum said. “It was unprecedented and unexpected.”
Without having to worry about an election Mendum said council will just continue on with its work.
Through the next term Mendum said council plans to finish its integrated community sustainability plan, update the official community plan, replace the East Highlands fire hall and build a community centre.
“Council works so well together and is very conscientious as a group,” Mendum said. “Council is really respectful of each other.”
Since this is unprecedented in Highlands, Mendum is uncertain if there will be any drawback of not having any changes at the council table.
Even without a district election, Mendum is reminding residents they still need to hit the polls Nov. 19 to vote for school board trustees.
“It’s always important to exercise your civic right to vote,” said Mendum who has five children and five grandchildren. “It’s important to support our schools.”
Highlands falls within the two school districts within region, SD 61 Greater Victoria and SD 62 Sooke.
Check Highlands website www.highlands.bc.ca. For Highlands residents within SD 61 or SD 62 advance voting is Nov. 9 and 16, and official voting is Nov. 19 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Highlands municipal hall 1980 Millstream Rd.
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com