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Saanich Coun. Vicki Sanders, first elected in 2005, won’t run again

Saanich Coun. Vicki Sanders has announced she will not run in the Oct. 20 municipal election, bringing the number of Saanich councillors not seeking re-election to three.
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Saanich Coun. Vicki Sanders praised long-serving councillors and thanked staff for their support.

Saanich Coun. Vicki Sanders has announced she will not run in the Oct. 20 municipal election, bringing the number of Saanich councillors not seeking re-election to three.

With Fred Haynes deciding to run for mayor instead of councillor, that will mean at least four vacancies at the council table, Sanders said. The other councillors stepping aside are Dean Murdock and Leif Wergeland.

Sanders, a three-term councillor first elected in 2005, made her announcement Thursday on Facebook. “I have not come to this decision lightly,” wrote Sanders, a Saanich resident for more than 50 years. “I choose to leave public office now with a positive outlook and continued passion for Saanich.

“Serving you on council has been a highlight of my life.”

Sanders said in an interview that she put a lot of thought into her decision to leave, particularly because council requires a four-year term. She said she really began to reflect when Wergeland, on council for 22 years, announced his intention not to run again.

“I’ve been thinking about this with the four-year horizon and looking at one’s own life,” she said. “So I decided to do this. It’s just time.”

Sanders said she is satisfied with the years she has had on council.

“I’m feeling good,” she said. “Thirteen years is quite a time, a stretch. And that time in office does take you from your home and other things.”

She said she is looking forward to spending more time with her family.

“It’s been wonderful,” she said of her council career. “I’ve enjoyed it. I love Saanich. I’m not going away. I’ll still always be active.”

Sanders said she had two decades of community involvement prior to becoming a councillor.

“Before I was on council I was founder of the Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association and the Camosun Community Association.”

She said the Camosun association was formed after the Blizzard of ’96, when two men concerned about the storm approached her about getting a neighbourhood group together.

Sanders said in her announcement that she is proud of her achievements in environment, land use and sustainability issues, as well as arts, culture and heritage. She said she had a part in such district moves as eliminating plastic water bottles in municipal facilities, and reducing waste and energy use.

Sanders also noted her appreciation for staff and council colleagues — particularly fellow long-termers Judy Brownoff, Susan Brice and Wergeland — as well as municipal staff.

“I cannot say thanks enough to Saanich staff, current and former, for their professionalism and support,” she said. “And to the volunteers who have helped me through four campaigns, I couldn’t have done it without you.”

ceharnett@timescolonist.com

jwbell@timescolonist.com