It was a flurry of activity Friday afternoon as the City of New Westminster's elections office processed nomination papers for candidates in this year's civic election.
Three candidates are hoping to topple incumbent mayor Wayne Wright from the position he's held since 2002. Longtime residents James Crosty and Vance McFadyen are also running for mayor, as is Francois Nantel.
All of the city council incumbents, a couple of former councillors, some previous candidates and a few new faces are in the mix for city council. This year's 18 candidates for city councillor positions are: John Ashdown (Voice New Westminster); James Bell; Jonathan Cote (incumbent); Cal Donnelly; Bill Harper (incumbent); Vladimir Krasnogor; Chelsea Lawrence; Gerry Liu; Jaimie McEvoy (incumbent); Betty McIntosh (incumbent); Paul Mulangu; David Noshad; Bob Osterman (incumbent); Gavin Palmer (Voice New Westminster); Chuck Puchmayr; Harp Sihota; Susan Wandell; and Lorrie Williams.
Twelve candidates will be vying for the seven seats on the New Westminster school board. A couple of vacancies will open up as incumbents Brent Atkinson and Lori Watt will not be seeking reelection.
This year's candidates for school board are: James Bell; Jonina Campbell; Casey Cook (Voice New Westminster); Michael Ewen; Jim Goring (Voice New Westminster); Lisa Graham (Voice New Westminster); James Janzen; Brenda McEachern-Keen (Voice New Westminster); Mary Ann Mortensen (Voice New Westminster); James Pepa; David Phelan; and Glen Richmond.
The 2011 municipal election will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19.
