Standing committee appointments announced for city council
By Kyra Hoggan
At Dec. 5th’s first meeting of the newly-elected city council, Mayor Lawrence Chernoff assigned each council member to the standing committee roles they’ll be playing for the following year – a practice not employed in all municipalities.
“There are lots of cities where councillors stay on the same committees for years and years,” he said, referring to standing committees like Transportation and Civic Works, Finance, Cultural and Civic Pride, etc. “It used to be like that here, too. Now, we change seats every year – that way, we get a better understanding of all aspects of our government and it allows us to deal with different staff and members of the public.” City councillor Kevin Chernoff said he agrees whole-heartedly with the policy – even if it means forgoing his favourite committees in favour of a less-appealing assignment. “It makes us, as councillors, much more well-rounded,” he said. “It allows us to see the municipality from all sides – social, corporate, infrastructure …” He said it also ensures councillors have the background and understanding they need when it comes time to vote – for example, time on the Finance Committee is invaluable when budget decisions have to be made. “I think it gives us the tools we need to make better, more informed decisions.” This year’s committee appointments are as follows: Public Safety: Chair, Dan Rye Deputy Chair, Kevin Chernoff Cultural and Civic Pride: Chair, Gord Turner Deputy, Sue Heaton-Sherstobitoff Community Wellness and Social Services: Chair, Sue Heaton-Sherstobitoff Deputy, Deb McIntosh Finance and Corporate Services Chair, Russ Hearne Deputy, Gord Turner Green Chair, Lawrence Chernoff Deputy, Dan Rye Deputy, Russ Hearne Transportation and Civic Works Chair, Deb McIntosh Deputy, Russ Hearne Planning and Development Chair, Kevin Chernoff Deputy, Dan Rye Deb McIntosh has been appointed the alternate director to the Board of the Regional District of Central Kootenay Lawrence Chernoff, Russ Hearne and Kevin Chernoff have been appointed to the Recreation Commission.
