The Regional District of North Okanagan’s former administrator says there’s no hard feelings over his departure.
On Thursday, the RDNO board announced that Trafford Hall is no longer chief administrative officer.
“I can’t comment on the departure and the reasons and the reasons are those of the board’s, but I understand that boards have the right to do this,” Hall told The Morning Star. “These things happen and I’m not bitter.”
Hall, who had worked for the District of Kitimat for 17 years, began as RDNO administrator in May 2011.
“There’s wonderful staff there and we accomplished some wonderful things,” said Hall of restructuring Greater Vernon’s parks system and developing a master water plan.
“I am very proud of the staff. It’s a great organization and the staff provide important services and they deserve the respect of the public.”
Hall would not speculate on what his future plans include, except for some work on his home.
“Do I want to go back to work or do I want to retire?” said the 62-year-old.
Specific details are not being released about Hall’s departure as personnel matters are considered confidential.
RDNO says it will initiate a search for a new administrator and Rob Smailes, general manager of planning and building, will serve as acting administrator.
“The board will post the position as soon as possible and depending on the number of applicants we have, it (filling the position) could be as little as three months,” said Rick Fairbairn, vice-chairperson.
“We want to have someone in place before November’s elections.”
A number of major issues are currently being addressed at RDNO, but Fairbairn isn’t concerned that the lack of a full-time senior administrator will negatively impact the process.
“We’ve got a very brilliant staff handling all of these issues and they have them under control,” he said.
