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Kevin Acton (centre) celebrates winning the BC United Party nomination at the Schubert Centre in Vernon Nov. 4. (submitted photo/Kevin Acton/Facebook)
B.C. politics

Acton wins BC United nomination for Vernon-Lumby riding

Nov 4, 2023 | 7:13 PM

BC United party members in the Vernon-Lumby riding have chosen their candidate for the next provincial election.

Kevin Acton won the nomination, defeating Dauna Kennedy on Saturday, with the vote totals not released.

Acton has been the mayor of Lumby since 2009 and is the current chair of the Regional District of North Okanagan board of directors.

Kennedy is the executive director of the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

“I am deeply honoured for the support from the membership to represent BC United as the candidate for Vernon-Lumby,” Acton said. “Drawing upon my experience as mayor and my dedication to my community, I will work tirelessly to make housing more affordable, reduce the cost of living for our local families, strengthen mental health and addiction services, restore safety to our streets, and address the growing healthcare crisis.”

BC United Leader Kevin Falcon said Acton will be an extraordinary asset to the BC United team.

“His deep community roots, extensive experience as Lumby’s mayor, and unwavering commitment to advocating for his community make him an exceptional candidate for Vernon-Lumby. I know he will be a strong voice, demanding tangible results on the critical issues that British Columbians are facing,” Falcon commented.

Falcon also praised Dauna Kennedy for her participation in the nomination contest.

“It takes a great deal of confidence and dedication to put forward one’s name for public office, and her willingness to do so is truly commendable,” the party leader said.

Acton succeeds former three-term MLA Eric Foster, who is a former mayor of Lumby, and served under the party’s former name, the BC Liberals.

Foster, who is now the president of the party’s local constituency association, said the turnout was over 50 per cent of the 662 eligible voters, and he’s pleased with the outcome.

“I think he’ll make an outstanding candidate in the next election, and hopefully the next MLA,” Foster told Vernon Matters.

BC United leader Kevin Falcon is expected to be in Vernon to meet with the new candidate and take part in a public event on Nov. 14.

The riding is currently represented by Harwinder Sandhu of the New Democratic Party who intends to seek a second term.

The next provincial election is scheduled for Oct. 19, 2024.

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Kevin Acton bio (as provided by BC United)

For more than a decade, Kevin Acton has been a dedicated and community-driven pillar of the Village of Lumby, serving as its mayor since 2009 and currently in his fifth term. In addition to his mayoral role, he plays a vital part as the chairperson of the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) Board of Directors, a position he has held for four years.

Acton’s roots to the Lumby community run deep, having chosen this vibrant community as his cherished home for the past 32 years. He holds a Level 3 Certificate of Excellence in Local Government Leadership from the Local Government Leadership Academy (LGLA) and an executive certificate in local government from Dalhousie University, solidifying his expertise in this field.

Acton’s dedication to personal growth is evident through his coursework in Business Ethics and Society at Thompson Rivers University, which emphasizes ethics and organizational behavior, benefitting his roles in local government and as a long-time small business owner. For the past 23 years, he has been a partner in a wellness center in Lumby, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.

One of Acton’s notable passions is championing environmental initiatives as mayor. Under his leadership, the Village of Lumby has earned top rankings in carbon reduction and climate change recognition awards.

Beyond his civic duties and professional life, Kevin Acton treasures his personal time. He enjoys spending quality moments with his three sons and his wife, along with her two sons and daughter. As a lover of the great outdoors, he relishes the experience of outdoor living and has a particular fondness for white-water kayaking, a hobby that allows him to connect with nature and challenge his adventurous spirit.

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