Mark Vonesch_ Two Weeks into the 2026 Campaign

Roy L Hales/ Cortes Currents - As the second week of the 2026 local election campaign drew to a close, Mark Vonesch talked about his bid for re-election as Regional Director of Cortes Island. He has put up his first signs, is receiving encouragement from the community and wanted to discuss some of the specific issues.
Mark Vonesch: “We’re now well into the campaign. Since we last talked, a provincial election has been called for the same time, so there’s a lot of politics happening in British Columbia right now. I hope people stay focused on the local government elections as well because they’re really important. They make a big difference to the local services we rely on and to the impact local government can have on our day-to-day lives.”
“You’ve probably seen that we’ve got a bunch of signs up. I toured the island, and a bunch of folks let me put signs outside their properties. It’s exciting to be in the midst of a campaign, engaging with people and doing all the things necessary to connect with folks and remind them that October 17 is election day. That’s just over two weeks away, and I want to get as many people out to vote as possible. I believe deeply in democracy and consulting the people. This election is really about me asking to continue doing my job, so I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you.”
Cortes Currents: Are you getting a lot of encouragement from people around Cortes?
Mark Vonesch: “I am. I walked into the store this morning, and a couple of folks were like, ‘Nice signs. I’m voting for you.’ Someone stopped me as I was driving by, so I rolled down my window, and they said they wanted to let me know they support me. So, yes, I do feel a lot of support. I also released all 72 endorsements last week from people from all walks of life on Cortes, and seeing those come in leading up to the release was really touching.”
Cortes Currents: Have people also been talking to you about the issues they want to see addressed in the next term?
Mark Vonesch: “Yes. I think the big issues for people are housing affordability, efficiency in government services, truth and reconciliation, and the grants-in-aid process.”
“People have questions about the referendum and the proposed new services that will also be on the ballot on October 17. People have questions about zoning, bylaws, parks and recreation, garbage pickup—all the things local government does on Cortes.”
“There are lots of questions and lots of engagement. We’ve got three people running in this election. It gets those conversations happening. It gets people talking, asking questions and gaining a better understanding of how local government works. I really love that.”
“I think the campaign I’m running is a reflection of the work I do as a regional director: I take it really seriously, and I try my hardest.”
“My strategy right now is to go as hard as I can in this campaign: talk to and engage with as many people as I can, get out there, be visible and put the work I’ve done in front of people. I’m assuming everyone else is going just as hard as I am.”