Scott Anderson / photo submitted

By Kevin Rothwell

Vows to remain politically active

Vernon mayoral runner up disappointed

Oct 17, 2022 | 6:00 AM

A dejected Scott Anderson gathered with supporters in the private lounge at the Phoenix Steakhouse on Saturday night for what the two-term councillor had hoped would be a victory celebration.

Anderson took incumbent Mayor Victor Cumming head-on, questioning his leadership, in what, at times, was a testy campaign with very clear differences over how to deal the street crime, drug addiction and social issues.

The preliminary results from city hall show Cumming got 4,346 votes, 709 more than Anderson with 3,637 and Erik Olesen had 530.

Anderson, a business owner and former B.C. Conservative Party leader, spoke with Vernon Matters after the results came in, and was asked what the difference may have been.

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“I really don’t know. We ran a very good campaign, and the voters of Vernon have spoken, and they have chosen Victor,” Anderson said.

He was pleased that the Active Living Centre referendum passed, and added he will miss working with his council colleagues, all of whom were re-elected.

“We had a good council last term. What we are lacking is leadership and I hope that Victor has learned some lessons from this campaign as well,” Anderson concluded.

Anderson says he plans to remain politically active, saying he will “take a look at the options.”