Politicians bank a major pay raise

By Jennifer DyckMorning Star Staff Aug 10 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Some regional directors had no problem giving themselves a major pay hike, while others are grudgingly accepting the extra cash. The North Okanagan Regional District approved an increase in the base salary for the eight municipal directors from $1,523 a year to $6,240 Wednesday. That brings them in line with the five electoral area directors, who also received a pay boost from $5,994 to $6,240. The annual cost difference is approximately $38,000. “I think it’s important that we have fairness and equity at this table,” said chair Jerry Oglow. But the jump in pay, which is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2007, was denied the support of Vernon directors Juliette Cunningham and Patrick Nicol and Sandy Budgen (alternative for Area C director Stan Field).

“I really have difficulties with politicians giving themselves a big raise,” said Cunningham, who would have preferred to see the raise phased in. “I was shocked at the what the provincial government did for themselves.” Coldstream director Gary Corner felt the raise was long overdue. “The reason it’s such a big jump is because it’s been ignored for so long.” Area F director Herman Halvorson agreed 100 per cent with Corner. As did Lumby’s Eric Foster and Area D director Rick Fairbairn. “It’s realistic of what’s expected of the directors, said Fairbairn. Enderby director Dee Wejr also felt that the current pay isn’t enough for the amount of time directors spend on items. But she was OK with whatever way the pay went.

“If it turned out everybody would like to take a pay cut that would be OK too. I would be here at $500 and I would be here at $6,200.” Oglow is hopeful the raise will help smooth out the divide at the NORD table. “It’s really clear that the municipal remuneration is clearly out of synch with our neighbours and it’s really out of synch within ourselves. “I really believe that that continues to perpetuate the divisiveness here.” It was also suggested that those directors who don’t feel comfortable accepting the raise donate the extra funds to a charity.