North Westside Road’s elected representative insists his compensation reflects public service.
Regional District of Central Okanagan figures show director Jim Edgson had remuneration of $21,568 in 2011 and expenses of $9,063.
“A lot of people have seen the work that goes into local government,” he said.
Edgson says compensation largely reflects the large geographical area he covers — from North Westside Road to just south of Peachland. He also travels regularly to the RDCO office in Kelowna for both committee and board meetings and sessions with staff.
“Every time I go to Kelowna, it’s a 100-kilometre round trip (he lives in Killiney Beach) and when I go to the southern end of the electoral area, it’s 120 kilometres one way,” he said.
“I have a choice to sit at home and do nothing or go out and do the best for my constituents.”
Edgson points out that one-third of his compensation is tax-free and he uses those funds to help community-based groups requiring financial assistance.
For other board members, chairperson Robert Hobson had remuneration of $37,482 and expenses of $5,747. Vice-chairperson James Baker had remuneration of $14,238 and expenses of $446.
