End of an Era at RDEK: Long-serving directors set to exit public office

Several long-serving Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) directors gave their final farewells to public service at the board’s October meeting Friday (Oct. 16).

Among them was board Chair Rob Gay, who brought his 168th meeting as chair to order. Gay has served 21 years as Electoral Area C director and missed only one RDEK meeting during that time.

“It’s hard to believe that it has been 21 years as the Area C Director and it is difficult to sum up what it has meant to serve this region and to work with our board and staff over the years,” Gay said.

“There has been tremendous change since my first term, but the one constant that I am tremendously proud of is the culture we have built around the regional board table here in the East Kootenay.

“There will always be diverse perspectives and opinions on issues, and being able to have healthy, respectful debate not only results in a stronger and more effective board, it leads to more thoughtful and well-rounded decision making.

“ We are unique here in how well we work together, and this current Board has been exceptional in every way. I will miss working with them and with the staff of the RDEK who are second-to-none.”

After four years as vice-chair, Gay was elected board chair in 2012. He has held the position for 14 years, making him the longest-serving chair in RDEK history. Former Kimberley mayor Jim Ogilvie held the role for nine years.

Gay has also served on provincial and regional committees advocating for rural interests.

Other directors not seeking re-election include Kimberley Mayor Don McCormick, who served 12 years; Fernie Mayor Nic Milligan, four years; Elkford Mayor Steve Fairbairn, four years; Cranbrook Coun. Norma Blissett, four years; Electoral Area B director Stan Doehle, 12 years; and Electoral Area E director Jane Walter, 15 years.

Former Sparwood mayor David Wilks left office earlier this spring after serving 13 years on the board.

“Those outgoing directors alone account for 64 years of combined public service, which is an incredible amount experience and regional knowledge leaving the table. I want to acknowledge them for their service and thank them for their profound contributions during their tenures,” Gay said.

Other directors are seeking re-election in Saturday’s local general election. Invermere Mayor Al Miller, Area G director Roberta Schnider and Area A director Thomas McDonald were re-elected by acclamation. Electoral Area B director Krista Damstrom and Electoral Area C director Samantha Walsh were elected by acclamation for their first terms.

“While the board table will have some new faces around it next month, I hope collectively the directors will continue to embrace the spirit of mentorship and culture that this outgoing board has worked so hard on over the past four years,” Gay added.

“It is through this culture that relationships are preserved, good decisions are made, and a strong effective board is built.”

“These past 21 years have been incredibly rewarding. During that time, I am proud to have contributed to building stronger rural communities, improving services, and creating greater opportunities across the region.”

General voting day is Saturday, Oct. 17. The new RDEK board will be sworn in during its monthly meetings in the first week of November.