Dauna Kennedy is seeking the BC United nomination in Vernon-Lumby. (submitted photo/Facebook)

By Pete McIntyre

B.C. politics

Art Gallery leader looking to run for provincial office

Oct 13, 2023 | 3:00 PM

The race for the BC United Party nomination in the Vernon-Lumby provincial riding has a new candidate.

Dauna Kennedy, the current executive director of the Vernon Public Art Gallery, announced her intentions to run Thursday, Oct. 12.

Kennedy said on her website, the things that matter most to many residents “are not working,” and a change is needed using “compassion, with courage for innovative new ways, and with fearless commitment.”

“I have a deep desire to make our riding a healthy place, and I want to help residents benefit from my experience,” Kennedy stated. “This is why I’m excited to step up to earn the nomination as the Vernon-Lumby candidate for BC United.”

Kennedy, a past president of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, has picked-up a high-profile endorsement from former Okanagan-Vernon Liberal MLA and local lawyer Tom Christensen.

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Tom Christensen is supporting Dauna Kennedy for the BC United nomination in Vernon-Lumby. (submitted photo)

Kevin Acton, the long-time mayor of Lumby and chair of the Regional District of North Okanagan, is also seeking the BC United nomination for Vernon-Lumby.

BC United is the former BC Liberal party, led by Kevin Falcon.

The riding, currently called Vernon-Monashee, is represented by first-term MLA Harwinder Sandhu of the New Democratic Party. Sandhu has said she intends to seek a second term.

Prior to Sandhu’s win in 2020, the riding was held by Liberal Eric Foster from 2009-2020, by Liberal Tom Christensen from 2001 to 2009, by Liberal April Sanders from 1996 to 2001, and by Lyall Hanson of the Social Credit and Reform parties from 1991-1996.

Vernon Matters has contacted the BC United Party which told us dates for a nomination meeting have not been finalized.

We have also contacted the Conservative and Green parties to find out who their candidates for Vernon-Lumby are.

The next B.C. election is scheduled for Oct. 19, 2024.

The other local riding is Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream, currently held by BC United member Norm Letnick who is retiring.

Several candidates are seeking that nomination: Binny Boparai (agricultural entrepreneur), Bal Grewal (former Kelowna city council candidate), Amanda Shatzko (Regional District of North Okanagan vice chair), Mohini Singh (current Kelowna city councillor) and Adam Wilson (consultant).

Stephanie Hendy of Vernon will be the Green Party’s candidate in that riding.

The Conservative Party’s candidates are not known at this point.