A long-time West Kelowna businessman who previously served one term as a city councillor is throwing his hat back in the ring.

Rusty Ensign announced Tuesday that he will be running for a seat on West Kelowna city council during this fall’s election.

He previously served as a councillor for one term starting in 2014, but was not re-elected in 2018.

“I’m a proven leader, I can get things done and I love my hometown, and that’s why I’m jumping back in,” the paraplegic said in a campaign announcement video before plunging out of his wheelchair and into Okanagan Lake from the Gellatly Bay dock.
 

Ensign’s candidacy announcement says that he’s proven to be a champion for West Kelowna residents and his collaborative approach gets things done.

He claims it’s time for West Kelowna to get something in return for the added tax contributions and investments that come from the city’s growth.

“Working along with mayor and council, Rusty wants to get the investment in our growing community for much-needed and overdue infrastructure in transit, education and health care,” his announcement reads.

“With a new premier coming into office, we have a great opportunity to make that happen. When it comes to championing the needs of our community and quality decision making, Rusty has proven he is the man for the job.”
 

Photo Credit: ContributedRusty Ensign
 

Ensign was born and raised on a cattle ranch in the Okanagan and became a paraplegic after an accident on a rugby pitch nearly four decades ago.

Here are his priorities for West Kelowna if elected this fall:

• Clean water is right not a privilege
• Build a second 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