A third term for Midway’s mayor

As mayor of Midway, B.C., Randy Kappes appreciates the opportunity to support his adopted home community

Randy Kappes is beginning his third consecutive term as mayor of Midway, B.C. — Photo courtesy Randy Kappes

Randy Kappes is beginning his third term after being acclaimed to the position of mayor of Midway, B.C. Kappes grew up in the tiny Okanagan community of Twin Lakes, B.C., and now runs the gas station and bulk fuel station in Midway. He said that he and his family love small town life and the Boundary region.

What prompted you to take on a third term as mayor?

It was an easy decision because the past councils have been really good to work with. I live here and do business here, and in this community people support each other. I like having the opportunity to give back and I wanted to continue to work on the projects that we have going.

What is it about you that makes people want to keep you on as mayor?

I think it’s my ability to work with people and bring groups together. I’m able to find common ground and get people to remember the goals we have in common: better services and quality of life.

What challenges are ahead for you and your council?

We don’t really have any big challenges at the moment. We have a completely returned council, so we’re all accustomed to working together. The important thing is for Midway to remain viable as a community in terms of jobs, schools and industry, enough to maintain our infrastructure and the community itself. We’re conveniently located and we have low taxes, so we’re business friendly.

Is there something in particular you’re looking forward to working on?

We recently looked at our old economic development plan and we’ve revamped it. We have some new work on the go there, and we were just awarded a joint community forest with the city of Greenwood. Managing the cut means that we are responsible for protecting and sustaining the area, and it allows us some influence on the industry.

What do you do to recharge and have fun?

Hockey. We have an ongoing pickup game a couple of times a week, where a bunch of the guys from the area get together for a game.