Mark Pendergraft, who lives in the rural district just outside of Osoyoos, says he’s looking forward to serving another term representing the citizens of Area A on the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) board. Pendergraft, who is the current chair of the board, has been a member of the RDOS board for the past nine years. (Richard McGuire photo)
Saying he has thoroughly enjoyed the past nine years representing rural residents near Osoyoos, Mark Pendergraft has announced he is looking forward to another term on the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) board after being officially acclaimed to the position.
Pendergraft, who was elected chair of the RDOS 18 months ago, said it wasn’t a hard decision to seek another term.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen down the road, but I am prepared to serve at least one more term,” said Pendergraft, who will be completing his third-consecutive term representing rural residents from Osoyoos in Area A on the RDOS board.
“I decided that I wanted to continue this job for at least one more term and I’m excited about the future.”
Pendergraft was acclaimed after no one else submitted an application to oppose him in the November 15 municipal election. Nominations closed at 4 p.m. on Friday.
Pendergraft, who has lived in the Osoyoos area his entire life, said he has learned a great deal over the past nine years and that learning curve has only increased since being named board chair in early 2013.
“It really has been an interesting learning curve, but it has been a good experience overall,” he said. “When I was named board chair, I knew it would mean more work, but I really didn’t expect it would involve this much more work. But I have enjoyed the challenge.”
With a new election pending, Pendergraft said a new board chair will be selected in early December and he would consider returning to the position if the majority of board members believe he’s the best candidate for the job.
One of his proudest achievements during his nine years in public office is working hard to ensure the Northwest Sewer Project became a reality for property owners who live on the north end of Osoyoos Lake, said Pendergraft.
“That’s probably the project and accomplishment I’m most proud of,” he said. “That took almost seven years to get completed.”
He also advocated strongly to get the Regional District (RD) Park opened on Lakeshore Drive on the east side of Osoyoos Lake.
While some politicians can be loud, aggressive and overbearing, Pendergraft is recognized for his quiet demeanour and friendly personality.
He wasn’t about to alter his personality and disposition when he entered politics, he said.
“I think being friendly and easy going goes a long way to building good relationships and gaining trust with other people, especially when you’re dealing with important issues,” he said. “It’s also a good way to be when dealing with the upper levels of government. I guess I’ve always believed you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.”
The RDOS board handles a huge budget and plays a significant role in the quality of life of tens of thousands of residents who live in the South Okanagan and Similkameen valleys and he takes his role as a key player on the board very seriously, said Pendergraft.
“You have your ups and downs, but at the end of the day you try and make decisions to help people,” he said. “I really enjoy what I do and that’s why I have committed to staying on board for another four years.”
Pendergraft said he was surprised that no one stepped forward to oppose him in next month’s election.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
