By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
Area C director Rick Knodel is scratching his head wondering where anyone got the idea that he wasn’t seeking re-election this fall.
Word was going around that the incumbent was bowing out of the race, which prompted his alternate director Terry Schafer to seriously consider throwing his hat in the ring. But after Knodel confirmed that he was seeking re-election full speed, Schafer respectfully bowed out.
“I have had other contacts asking me why I am not running so I had best head this off now,” Knodel told the Times Chronicle.
The director said he loves the job and as far as his health is concerned, he has never felt better.
“The last four years have for me been a fantastic learning experience and I hope to serve the residents of Area C for another four years.”
Knodel is known to be outspoken and pulls no punches, which has irked some people in the region. For example, he is an opponent of the proposed national park and the South Okanagan aquatic centre which is currently the subject of a feasibility study.
Knodel said the greatest challenge about being a regional director is learning how to function and initiate projects inside the system while trying to find funding.
“It has been my goal from the beginning to fund these projects with no impact to the overburdened local taxpayer and that will remain my goal in the future.”
Four years ago, he noticed some of the services provided by the regional district were either too expensive or functioned poorly. An example is the mosquito control program. Area C paid the most for that service while other areas benefitted but paid a fraction of the cost.
“I initiated a staff review and next year this becomes a regionally equal-funded service, lowering the cost to Area C considerably but maintaining or improving the functionality.”
Knodel said he has had the benefit of considerable community support when initiating programs.
“That is absolutely necessary and vital in moving many of these ahead.”
Schafer gave kudos to Knodel for serving rural Oliver residents faithfully and admirably.
