There are a few long-standing names missing from the lists of candidates running a campaign locally.
Holger Schwichtenberg will not be running for re-election as a councillor in the District of Kent.
He had served as a councillor for three consecutive terms, for a total of nine years. A lot has changed over that time, and much has been accomplished, he said.
"I think that after nine years, for things to work properly you have to have new people step up to the plate," he said. When Schwichtenberg began his work as a councillor, his children were younger and his family farm was not as large as it is today. The time has come for him to focus on both of those more, he stated, as well as continuing to work with the BC Dairy Association.
"It does take its toll," he said. "I'm going to miss the people that I work with, a lot of the staff and fellow councillors. I wish the new council well."
He noted that the District has accomplished "a lot of good work" over the past few years, from updating the Official Community Plan and the DCCs, to creating long lasting projects such as the Community Recreation and Culture Centre and the trail system that loops around much of Agassiz, including the Schwichtenberg farm.
"I'm quite proud of that," he said.
Schwichtenberg is a second generation municipal politician. His father, Guenther Schwichtenberg, sat as a councillor and as mayor in the District of Kent in the past.
Also not running the election on Nov. 15 is long-time school board trustee Al Fraser.
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