Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff told a group of students last week that her job feels like it’s 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
During Local Government Awareness Week, the RDOS hosted a delegation from Cawston Primary School that asked directors several questions.
One was how big a responsibility is it to be a director?
McKortoff jumped right in.
“I seem to think that I’m on a 24-7 schedule, which means I can expect questions and people to phone me or email me or talk to me in a grocery store any time of day.”
But the mayor said she “absolutely” enjoys her job.
“I’m really happy I took this on. I was a teacher before this, and lots of students I taught live in my town.”
Another student asked what it’s like to be a director.
Director Ron Obirek said he was going to make a joke that it’s a job you would wish on somebody you don’t like. “It can be very difficult and unpleasant sometimes.”
But Obirek said being a director is an amazing opportunity to help make your community better. He explained that directors listen to people’s concerns and have the authority to make decisions to help them.
How hard is it to be a director?
Mayor of Princeton Spencer Coyne said it can be really hard.
“Some days you have to make decisions you don’t like to make. Some days you have to vote in ways you wouldn’t personally want to vote but it’s for everyone’s betterment, not just your own.”
Coyne said the job is very satisfying when you get to implement change.
“We affect your life every single day and you don’t even know it.”
Another student asked how hard is it to keep your area safe?
Director Subrina Monteith said they work with the fire department and the RCMP to keep neighbourhoods safe. She also recognized the many volunteers including moms and dads who learn skills to protect the community.
The students were also informed about Penticton’s Emergency Operations Centre that does a lot of planning to keep residents safe.
Directors were also asked if they must all agree before something is built.
Board chair Mark Pendergraft (rural Osoyoos) said they don’t have to all agree, noting that the majority (50 per cent plus one) normally rules.
Why did you want to become a director? another student asked.
Monteith said being a director is an honour and a privilege. “We all do it because we want to do what’s best for the community.”
Obirek, who has a law background, said he learned a lot about people’s frustrations and problems as they sought a better life.
“I wanted to help my community . . . to make things better.”
Another student asked what type of bylaws there are in the district.
Pendergraft said there are rules that govern animals, noise, and garbage.
“We’re almost to the point where there’s a bylaw for almost everything,” he stated.
Rural Oliver director Rick Knodel said some bylaws don’t fit all areas. He added that some can be encumbering, which is why they are modified to serve other areas.
