Foisy retires as Cherryville rep

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jul 23, 2014 at 1:00 AM

A fixture in regional politics is retiring. Eugene Foisy has announced he won’t seek another term in November as Regional District of North Okanagan director. He has represented Cherryville for 20 years. “It’s time for some new blood. Times are changing,” he said. Foisy was first elected in a byelection and then was acclaimed to office in every election after that. “I’ve always appreciated the support of the community. It’s been humbling,” said the 72-year-old logger who has lived in Cherryville since he was 10 years old. Among the major accomplishments over Foisy’s tenure are the removal of property from the Agricultural Land Commission to allow for development, the introduction of high-speed Internet and the creation of a community forest. However, Foisy insists he has only played a support role and the major advocates for the various initiatives have come from Cherryville itself. “The community has some backbone and stands up for each other,” he said. Foisy admits he has enjoyed his time with regional district staff and directors. “It’s been a great experience and I will miss the friendships I’ve made. There’s been a lot of companionship,” he said. Foisy has gained respect at RDNO. “He’s a quiet guy but when he speaks, it’s common sense he’s saying,” said Jackie Pearase, rural Enderby director, who sits next to Foisy at meetings. “He has a history of what’s happened before but he’s always focused on the present. He has given Cherryville a voice. He has made sure people understand that the issues in Cherryville are as important as in other communities.” Rick Fairbairn, RDNO vice-chairperson, says Foisy has been an active member of the board. “He’s always been a stable influence in terms of his approach with issues,” said Fairbairn. “When he speaks, it makes sense and people listen to him.”
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Cameron launches bid for board
 by  Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jul 23, 2014 at 1:00 AM

An active Cherryville resident wants to represent the community’s interests. Hank Cameron will run for Regional District of North Okanagan director in November. “I know most of the people out here,” he said. “I’d like to have a positive influence on the development of the community.” Eugene Foisy, who has been Cherryville’s director for 20 years, won’t seek re-election. A forestry contractor, the 60-year-old Cameron has lived in Cherryville for 27 years. He is a member of the regional district’s advisory planning commission and is involved with the Cherry Ridge Management Committee, which operates the local community forest.  Cameron insists there is a need to promote Cherryville’s rural character while encouraging growth that supports the community. “We need to attract young families here and maintain the affordability of servicing lots,” he said. “We need to attract people who can make a living here.” Another issue Cameron believes needs to be considered is private water systems. “The things that affect our water on private land and on adjacent Crown land have people talking about it these days,” he said.