Shane Gottfriedson believes he has what it takes to stay chief of the Tk’emlups Indian Band.
Gottfriedson made the comment as he prepares to square off against two opponents — Marie Baptiste, his rival from the 2009 band election, and Alice McCaleb.
“I’m honoured to be nominated for a fourth term,” said Gottfriedson, who’s been chief for nine years. “I make no bones about it. I want to win. I want the job.”
Gottfriedson believes he provides stability, good leadership and fairness. His is a big-picture vision, he said.
Under his leadership, Tk’emlups has developed solid working relationships with the provincial, federal and municipal government and other First Nations bands.
He’s working hard to strength ties with the region’s business sector and is developing legal and community wellness strategies, said Gottfriedson.
Baptiste and McCaleb could not be reached for comment Friday.
In addition to her run for chief, Baptiste has a long record of community service going back to the late '70s, including two terms on band council in the 1980s. She was one of three women responsible for founding the Kamloopa Pow Wow.
McCaleb ran unsuccessfully for band council in 2004.
There are 21 candidates running for seven seats on the TIB band council. They are Amanda Bigsorrelhorse, Evelyn Camille, George Casmir, Roseanne Casmir, James Casmir, Todd Coles, Chad Gottfriedson, Dessa Gottfriedson, Katie Gottfriedson, Edward Jensen, Kenny Jensen, Janet Jules, Robert Jules, Richard Jules, Billy Jules, Dave Manuel, Vicki Manuel, Colleen Mosterd-McLean, Dolan Paul, Fred Seymour, Colleen Seymour and James Thomas.
An all-candidates forum, which is open to band members only, takes place Oct. 27 at the Skelep School gymnasium from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Advance polls begin Nov. 3 and elections occur Nov. 10.
