Ryan Donn.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Ryan Donn
June 24, 2022 - 12:04 PM
Two-time Kelowna city councillor Ryan Donn announced on his Facebook page today, June 24, that he is not running for re-election in October.
“I see this decision as a pause to my political career and fully expect that in a different season of life I’d consider running again,” he posted. “For this season I’ll be reducing my community role to focus on my family, career, some travel, our ever evolving farm and, heck, maybe even pick up my guitar again and sing some songs.”
Donn was first elected in 2014.
Earlier this year he talked to iNFOnews.ca about the heavy workload endured by city councillors for low pay and, as his children are now in their teens, the need to spend more time with them. In March, he said he needed to talk with his family before making a decision.
“If you have any interest in running, I’d be happy to buy you a coffee to answer any questions about the role,” he posted.
Since posting to social media this morning, he’s received dozens of comments praising his work and others expressing regrets he’s leaving.
“Ryan, I'm saddened to hear this,” Guillermo Angel posted. “You have been a great example of leadership for the City.”
“Ryan you have defined what it means to serve the people,” Andrew Lipsett wrote.
“You’ve been awesome and I’m glad you’re not swearing off polyticks altogether,” Audrey May posted.
Mohini Singh is the only incumbent who, so far, who has said they're is running for re-election.
READ MORE: Kelowna Coun. Mohini Singh seeking re-election
Former City of Kelowna engineer James Kay and procurement professional Davis Kyle are, so far, the only other declared candidates.
Gord Lovegrove, who finished ninth for the eight-seat council in 2018, told iNFOnew.ca earlier this year that he was going to run again.
READ MORE: Andre Blanleil pondering another run at Kelowna city council; Who else?
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