By Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
Petty bureaucracy is standing in the way of what really needs to be done, according to Area C alternate director Rick Knodel.
The Willowbrook resident said he has been told not to speak to the media as a representative of the regional district.
Knodel said Area C director Terry Schafer was informed at a board meeting that it was not considered proper for an alternate to speak to the media under a regional district title.
“Terry assures me that he maintains full confidence and that I still speak for him, if not the board. For that, I thank him.”
Knodel said he respects Schafer and will not test the waters even with his support.
“We have much more serious issues to deal with and now is not the time for petty squabbles.”
Knodel said he doesn’t need to be wrapped in a title to be heard.
The alternate director has been supportive and vocal on behalf of Willowbrook and rural Oliver due to the flooding situation.
Schafer said he doesn’t view the issue with Knodel as a big deal.
“Rick and I are good friends, and he and I are both running (for Area C director) this fall.”
Schafer said he and Knodel are doing the best job they can under the circumstances.
Schafer said the alternate director has been his sounding board for the community of Willowbrook.
“I’m using Rick to the best advantage to be fully engaged in everything going on. He represents Willowbrook more than anyone could.”
In terms of speaking to the media, Schafer said Knodel cannot speak on abehalf of the regional district, and neither can he.
“The board speaks for itself.”
Regional district chair Karla Kozakevich said they had a discussion at the board table about the role of an alternate.
“Many alternates have been taking on the role of an elected official when they should only be in that role when at the board table filling in for the elected director.”
They can also take on the role when the director asks the alternate to fill in for him or her, Kozakevich said.
Chief Administrative Officer Bill Newell said it’s confusing but the appointment of alternate directors and their authority is wrapped up in legislation.
“It’s all about having one elected official for each electoral area, so the alternate director only gets to act on behalf of the elected official if he’s absent,” Newell said.
He pointed out that alternate directors can speak as an individual, but it would be incorrect to represent that they’re speaking on behalf of the regional district or the elected member for the area.
