Editorial Published: November 29, 2008 Kelowna Capital News:
Westside mayor-elect Doug Findlater says he wants the right people in the right jobs when it comes to council appointments. Findlater issued a written statement Thursday explaining why he passed on re-appointing former mayor and newly-elected Coun. Rosalind Neis to the Central Okanagan Regional District board as one of two Westside directors. Appointments are made at the mayor’s discretion. and while Findlater was appointed to the regional board last year by Neis because he was the top vote-getting councilor, this time Findlater did not do the same with Neis. Neis was the top vote-getting councilor this year.Instead, he plans to appoint returning Coun. Duane Ophus to the CORD board. Ophus placed third in the polls behind Neis and returning Coun. Gord Milsom.The new mayor, like his predecessor, will take Westside’s other seat on the regional board.
Neis revealed to her CORD colleagues last week that she had been passed over for re-appointment.At the time, Findlater refused comment about his decision. But, after some backlash on a local radio talk show Thursday morning, Findlater issued an e-mail to explain his reasoning. “I have at all times looked at recommending these appointments in light of the specific issues facing the District of Westside at this time and attempted to match skill sets and interests with the district’s overriding needs at the table of these various bodies,” wrote Findlater. “I have not considered these recommendations on the basis of entitlement, but rather on having the right people at the table.”
The recommendations for appointments are subject to council’s approval at the inaugural meeting, 7 p.m., Dec. 1 at the Westbank Lions Community Hall. Appointments will be reviewed annually, said Findlater.
Former CORD regional director, returning Coun. David Knowles and council newcomer Bryden Winsby have been named the alternates. Neis will be appointed to the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission.Knowles will sit on the Airport Advisory Committee. Returning Coun. Carol Zanon has been appointed to the Okanagan Regional Library Board. Milsom will sit on the Safe Schools Committee and Findlater will be on the Treaty Advisory Committee. “I recognize and regret that these appointments don’t meet the wishes and expectations of everyone on council,” Findlater said.
1 comment:
A CORD appointment is done by Council as a whole. A mayor can only recommend and his decisions are often overruled by Council if it deemed irresponsible.
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