Mayor Ron Hovanes takes the oath of office during council’s inaugural meeting last week. He encouraged councillors to fully debate every issue and make quality decisions in the best interests of the community.
Lyonel Doherty photo
Members of Oliver’s new Town council took their oath of office last week and have sworn to serve with integrity.
Councillors Petra Veintimilla, Maureen Doerr, Larry Schwartzenberger, Jack Bennest, Rick Machial, Andre Miller and Mayor Ron Hovanes promised to serve to the best of their ability without bias and pecuniary gain.
“We all need to remember that we are here because of the public trust that has been placed in our hands,” said Hovanes during his inaugural address.
“I believe that the Town of Oliver chose well . . . I believe that Oliver’s future has never looked so bright.”
In the last few years, the community has been the recipient of a new high school and performing arts theatre, a facility described as one of the best in BC.
Hovanes also noted that Oliver has a hospital that receives state-of-the-art upgrades annually.
He stated the Town has invested in infrastructure and park upgrades, and noted the anticipation of the new correctional centre bringing 250 jobs in 2016.
Hovanes pointed out that the Town has an incredibly hard working team of staff members.
“I challenge my new council to gather all information, fully debate every issue and do exactly what the community has asked you to (make quality decisions in the best interest of the community).”
Hovanes gave a last bit of advice to councillors by saying council duties will take up all of the time they choose to dedicate to it.
“It is not meant to be a full-time occupation. Your family and your career need to come first.”
The new council will soon take part in the Leadership Academy’s Elected Officials Seminar, which is only held in the year immediately following local government elections.
Chief Administrative Officer Heidi Frank said the seminar is established specifically to fill the void in training and leadership development
The seminar recruits speakers from around the province to share their experience and wisdom on local government law, finance, planning, meeting procedures, media relations, etc.
“It is designed to introduce newly elected officials to the fundamentals of local governance,” Frank said.
She noted the cost to attend the 2015 seminar is $728 per councillor. In 2012 the total cost to the Town was $3,094.95.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
