Written by Rob Abramenko 107.5 KISSFM Friday, 09 December 2011 00:24
Perhaps it's just the time of the year, but members of the Regional
District of North Okanagan board are optimistic about better relations
among the participants in 2012. Rick Fairbairn, the vice chair and rural Lumby director since 2002, feels it's due to some new faces around the table. "I'm very excited about the fact that we're bringing new ideas and a fresh start, especially from the city of Vernon." The city's board reps are new mayor Rob Sawatzky, Juliette Cunningham
and Patrick Nicol, the first Vernon director chosen as chair since the
RDNO began in 1965. Outgoing three year chair Hermal Halvorson hinted at some of the
frustrations he had in trying to keep peace on the board in his closing
comments at Wednesday's meeting. "I hope everybody pulls together to make this a strong regional district which it once was." Halvorson is not leaving politics completely as he will be alternate
director for new Area F (rural Enderby) director Jackie Pearase when she
is unable to attend. 
BX Silver Star (Area C) director Mike Macnabb (pictured) is starting his second term on the board. He says having Nicol as the chair should help bring the 13 members together after some difficulties in the past. "This hopefully will be the start of some cooperation amongst the
jurisdictions. We've had enough fighting back and forth and bickering, and it's time to work together on this, with a good strong chair, and
Patrick has the capability of doing that." Macnabb says Nicol brings a "comfort level" with his leadership that should bring board members together. "Traditionally an electoral area director was the chair, and I think
it (choosing Nicol) really speaks to the fact that we're hoping for
cooperation amongst all parties." The board also has new members from Enderby (Mayor Howie Cyr),
Spallumcheen (Mayor Janice Brown), and Area B/ BX Swan Lake (Bob
Fleming).--------
A sense of optimism has surfaced at the Regional District of North Okanagan. Wednesday’s inaugural board meeting took an upbeat tone and it was suggested ongoing conflicts in Greater Vernon could be resolved. “I’m hopeful the significant issues that come before us will be done in a sense of co-operation,” said director Patrick Nicol, who was elected chairperson. “This organization deserves strong co-operation and leadership from all of us.” Nicol is the first Vernon director to be elected chairperson since RDNO was formed in 1965. He was nominated by Coldstream director Doug Dirk. “Patrick takes his regional role seriously,” said Dirk. “He will play a good role in bringing the board together.” Nicol was pleased that his nomination came from Coldstream. “It means we’re all in this together,” he said. “There is a lot of force on this board that can be put to a lot of good.” The prospect of addressing differences over water and parks is being welcomed by other Greater Vernon partners. “I’m optimistic. Mayor (Rob) Sawatzky’s platform is working with their neighbours and Patrick will be quite capable as chairperson,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director. While there will be a focus on Greater Vernon, Nicol insists his priority is also the other communities within RDNO. “I really believe in the regional district and we represent all of the region. I’ve never believed in a segmented version,” he said. “The regional district is for all of our citizens. There are a lot of services that are worthwhile.” Nicol replaces Herman Halvorson as chairperson, who did not seek re-election as rural Enderby director. “I hope everyone pulls together and makes this a strong regional district. It once was and can be again,” said Halvorson in his parting remarks. Serving another year as vice-chairperson will be Rick Fairbairn, rural Lumby director. Fairbairn points out that there are six new directors at the 13-member board table. “With the new board members, I am excited. They are bringing new ideas and a fresh start, particularly from the City of Vernon,” he said.
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