Tensions emerge at first Kelowna council meeting over board appointments

Résumé détaillé

The regional district board is the only one of more than a dozen for which councillors receive compensation.

Tensions are already emerging on Kelowna’s newly elected city council, with councillor Gord Lovegrove challenging mayor Tom Dyas over appointments to the regional district board.

“You’re breaking with tradition and putting that trust at risk again,” said Lovegrove at Monday’s council meeting, directing the comment at Dyas. “I think this sets the tone for the next four years in council. I am very concerned.”

Lovegrove, who topped council votes in the municipal election, is questioning why he wasn’t among the councillors recommended by Dyas for a seat at the regional table.

“I’ve seen no precedent where the top vote-getter, the top qualified by the voters themselves councillor, is not appointed to the regional district,” Lovegrove told Global News on Tuesday.

The two-term councillor suspects politics may have played a role in the decision.

Lovegrove supported Dyas’ mayoral rival, Ron Cannan, during the election campaign.

Dyas denied any personal vendetta, saying his recommendations were based on skills identified during council orientation-a session Lovegrove missed due to a family vacation.

“I have great confidence with regards to the individuals within Kelowna who elected council,” Dyas said. “They all have skills that will be extremely valuable on all of the different boards.”

Dyas added that the mayor does not have unilateral say on appointments.

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