Rob Gay will remain chair of the Regional District of East Kootenay board after being re-elected by acclamation.
Gay, who has served as chair for 15 years, was the only nominee and received full support from the board.
“Very familiar with the job, and when I did make my phone calls to the directors to ask for their support, they very much support me and I think we’ve built a level of trust over the years, which is very important,” he said.
He said they’ve been able to build a strong board bringing different ideas to the table.
“We all bring very diverse views to the table and that’s exactly what we want. If you have everybody with the same views, I don’t think it works as well,” he added.
“So again, I’m very appreciative being the chair and we’ll look for another good year.”
This year brought a change in vice-chair leadership, as Electoral Area F director Susan Clovechok did not seek re-election to the position.
Gay said she always complimented his shortcomings as chair.
“I’m not a detailed person. I look to staff to get the work, but between Susan and I, we were able to work very close together, and she took on a lot of files that were the big files, lots of work on it,” he said.
“So I’m very, very appreciative of her and wish her the best of luck in the future.”
Clovechok nominated Electoral Area G director Roberta Schnider, who was elected unanimously. She was not able to attend the vote, but did submit a statement.
“I’m honored to have my name put forward as your vice chair and be a claim to the position. Your trusts are supported and noticed,” she said.
“I am thankful to the residents of Area G that have faith in my representation and I am grateful for all of you in this room helping me to learn the ropes. The past three years have flown by and I am looking forward to the last year of my term, with anticipation and excitement.”
Gay said she’ll do a great job and this is a way of training the potential future board chair, as he’s not sure if he’ll run again in the next election.
“I think that’s part of what the board is doing, is looking for succession,” he added.
“I’ve been in this for 20 years. I don’t know if I’ll run again. I was losing sleep over it, and I decided I’m going to decide next June, because who knows what happens then? But I think the board, and certainly Director Schnider would like to run again.”
The board votes to elect or re-elect the chair and vice chair positions every year.
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