Resolution targets longer terms

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 22, 2013 1:00 AM
Mayors, councillors and regional district directors could be elected less frequently. A resolution to extend terms of office from three to four years was supported by 60 per cent of delegates at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Vancouver Thursday. “There’s something to be said about continuity,” said Ryan Nitchie, an Armstrong councillor. “We develop five-year plans but we’re only elected for three years.” Catherine Lord, a Vernon councillor, also supported the resolution, which will now be forwarded to the provincial government for consideration. “Four years gives people more time to do what they were elected to do,” she said, adding that currently, the first year is a learning curve for new politicians and the third year is focused on electioneering. “It will also be cheaper for taxpayers to have an election every four years than three.” However, not everyone is supportive of the shift. “If there are four-year terms, it will be hard to attract people to make the commitment for that length of time,” said Rick Fairbairn, rural Lumby director. “It’s difficult to attract younger individuals.” Juliette Cunningham, a Vernon councillor, also has similar concerns. “Four years is a good chunk of their life. It may make them decide not to run,” she said. Nitchie downplays the impact of four years over three. “People are committed to the community no matter what,” he said. UBCM will now ask the provincial government to make the change in time for civic elections in November 2014. Presently, there are four-year terms for municipal leaders in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Ontario, P.E.I. and New Brunswick.