Some Kelowna city council candidates are going viral for their unique campaign approaches ahead of the municipal election. Teresa May posted a video to social media of her wearing red high heels while wake surfing and holding her campaign sign. May said her children came up with the idea, and it took off online. She said people are now approaching her in person, wanting to talk to her about the campaign. “I feel like I’m engaging more,” she said. “They look at me as a person who is more relatable, right? Because I can have fun.” That relatability is something Brady Rogers, a 33-year-old local business owner, said he was also trying to aim for. Rogers’ election signs have gained attention for his self-deprecating humour. The signs read: “Just trying to pay my rent,” and, “Fine. I’ll do it.” “It is quite authentic,” he said.“I was reluctant to get into it. I had this internal struggle for a few weeks, and I thought, ‘You know what? Maybe that’s just where I should start my campaign.’” Rogers said people are particularly drawn to a sign that points out he’s under 60 years old. “It’s funny, but also I think it struck a chord that’s real,” he said. Behind the humour, both aspiring candidates have real credentials. May said she has spent years as a volunteer and owned a number of businesses, while Rogers used to work as an engineer and now runs a business, called The Rogerie. He said he thinks the best experience a candidate can have is being an active member of their community. “Because that’s what makes you care about them and stay results-oriented,” he said. “I think people are hungry for something new, and this is a chance to do that.” May said she if she’s elected, she plans on tackling her new role the way she approaches wake surfing. “I’m not afraid of challenges,” she said. “And if I fall down, I will get back up again and I will fight. I will ask the hard questions. I will represent and serve my community.” Municipal elections have historically had low voter turn-out. According to the City of Kelowna, only one in three residents voted in the 2022 municipal election. The city’s chief election officer has declared 46 candidates running for mayor, council and school trustee.
