Chairman accused of ignoring rural voices

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - December 07, 2007

The North Okanagan Regional District’s chairman finds himself under siege.Jerry Oglow, Armstrong director, was elected to a second term as chairman Wednesday, but he was challenged by Earl Shipmaker, who just joined the board as Enderby director the same day. “There’s discomfort from the electoral areas in the existing chair,” said Shipmaker of why he was nominated by electoral area directors. Cliff Kanester, BX-Swan Lake director, claims Oglow has been too focused on the needs of the municipal jurisdictions that make up NORD. “He doesn’t seem to have any interest in the electoral areas,” said Kanester.Among the concerns is that Oglow showed little enthusiasm for the electoral areas possibly establishing a district municipality.

“The chairman and the City of Vernon, under the old vice-chairman (Wayne Lippert) have been too close, whether that’s real or perceived,” said Stan Field, BX-Silver Star director.“We didn’t seem to be getting the same treatment as the City of Vernon. He’s supposed to be representing the regional district as chairman and we don’t think he’s been representing all of the regional district, just certain elements.” Rick Fairbairn, rural Lumby director, claims he and his rural colleagues are upset over losing delegated authority to handle matters in their own constituencies.“One of the main reasons for the regional district is to provide governance to the electoral areas. That’s our council,” said Fairbairn.“I will continue to work with him (Oglow) but personally I was looking for a change.”

Oglow appeared surprised by the directors’ comments when contacted by The Morning Star. “They have never brought that to my attention individually or collectively,” he said. “The vast majority of my time as chairman has been spent dealing with issues that relate to the electoral areas.” Among them, he says, are Silver Star water, development at Sugar Lake, changes in meat slaughtering rules and reviews of various services. Oglow denies he has treated Vernon differently than the electoral areas. “I make no secret of the fact that Vernon is a major player in our region. They need to be treated with as much respect as any area,” he said.Elected as vice-chairman Wednesday was Herman Halvorson, rural Enderby director.Halvorson replaces Lippert, who was not nominated. In fact, Lippert was the one who nominated Halvorson for the role.“I have a lot of faith in director Halvorson and he will do an excellent job,” said Lippert.