Rusty Ensign Rusty Ensign is taking the plunge. The former one-term West Kelowna city councillor is seeking to regain his seat at the council table. Ensign was elected to council in 2014, but finished 10th in his re-election bid in 2018. In making the announcement Tuesday, Ensign said he is motivated and ready to get to work. “Now that I know how government works, I think I will make a far better councillor because I am more objective and will be able to apply myself where it really matters,” said Ensign. In a news release announcing his candidacy, Ensign says he has proven to be a champion for the residents of West Kelowna through a collaborative approach. He adds with the city’s growth and additional tax revenue to provincial coffers, it’s time to “something back for our investment.” He is looking for investments in transit, education and health care. Ensign also says he has learned from mistakes in the past which included two instances where he was deemed to be in a conflict of interest. In one of those instances, he was censured and asked to pay half of the city’s legal cost of pursuing censure. “Conflict of interest is a serious matter. It was a perceived conflict of interest, I didn’t do anything that could disqualify me from office,” said Ensign after announcing his candidacy. “There were six present for the censure and I was present for the vote which was 6-0. I voted to censure myself. “I admitted I was wrong. Elections are about looking ahead and not behind. That’s why I have reorganized my affairs so I can use my expertise to better the community.” With a diverse background in business and public service, Ensign believes he has the experience and skill set to be an effective councillor. His priorities for the city include:
Clean water is right not a privilege Build a 2nd access to Glenrosa via Jack Pine Main More policing to keep us all safe Road maintenance and snow removal Sensible plan to build sidewalks Providing for our youth Improve permit process to attract investment
