There has been a major shift in leadership at the Regional District of North Okanagan.
Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director, was elected to a one-year term as board chairperson Wednesday.
“To be inclusive and supportive of all of the communities in the regional district is my goal,” said Fleming.
Fleming takes over from Rick Fairbairn, rural Lumby director, who was board chairperson for three years.
He was elected as BX-Swan Lake director five years ago and is currently the chairperson of the Electoral Area Advisory Committee.
“I love this place. I was born here, grew up here and raised a family here,” said Fleming of the North Okanagan.
Fleming says he will regularly report to the board about his activities.
“I view the regional district as a link between the member communities,” he said.
Juliette Cunningham, a Vernon director, was unsuccessful in her bid for chairperson, but she was named vice-chairperson over Janice Brown, Spallumcheen director.
“The vision I have for the regional district is co-operation while using our resources wisely,” said Cunningham.
She added that while she represents Vernon, she is interested in the needs of all local communities.
“I’ve tried to understand the issues facing our partners. I don’t simply put my hand up to vote, I speak up.”
Fairbairn says he decided not to run for chairperson again because it’s time for other board members to be involved.
“We’ve accomplished a great deal over the past few years and we’ve worked through some very difficult and contentious issues and I know we will continue to move forward and make the best decisions we can for the regional district,” he said.
Kevin Acton, Lumby director, has been vice-chairperson for the past year but he was not nominated for another term.
