Letnick says focus remains on provincial work as rumors over mayor run swirl

• Currently fourth term Kelowna-Lake Country Liberal MLA
• Rumours of ‘job swap’ with current mayor

Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick appears to be considering a run at Kelowna’s mayor chair. At the same time, he rejects rumours of a job swap with the current mayor, saying they lack substance.

In response to rumours circulating about Letnick’s interest in next year’s municipal election, Letnick offered a statement to the media.

“People are beginning to ask me if I would run for Mayor. My answer has always been, my focus is advocating for the needs of our community in Victoria," he said.

“Should there be a need for my experience and good relationships with the provincial government, I would give very serious consideration to giving people that choice."

Letnick has worked in various levels of government for 21 years. He’s now in his fourth term as the Liberal MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country.

Prior to working in provincial politics, he served as city councilor, first in Banff, and then Kelowna. He was also a tenured associate professor in Okanagan University College's business program.

When he met with Kelowna10, he said he’s still undecided about his future as an MLA.

“I have not made any official announcement about what my future is after this term of office. I’m going to focus on what I love doing everyday, which is to advocate for the needs of my constituents in Victoria.”

Kelowna’s current mayor, Colin Basran, has not said whether he will run again in the next municipal election. If he decides not to, it could be a boost for Letnick.

However, Letnick does recognize that wading into municipal politics is not a guarantee win.

“Running is not winning. Running is putting your name forward. There’s obviously a big competition. Then I will listen to the people and do as they direct me,” Letnick said.

There’s also been talk in the media of a cooperative job swap between Letnick and Basran, suggesting Basran’s interest in Letnick’s provincial position.

“An opinion piece by a media outlet is fair. They can certainly do that. There’s nothing substantive about it. There’s nothing going on there,” Letnick said.

“If the public wanted me to run and if Colin decides he wants to run we might be running against each other.”

Letnick said much could still happen in the next year.

“We’ll let the media continue to write stories, that’s their job. I’ll just take this one day at a time.”

The next municipal election is on Oct. 15, 2022.