Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Electoral Area C director Rob Gay rose to pay special tribute to outgoing fellow board members from the City of Cranbrook, Mayor Scott Manjak and Coun. Liz Schatschneider, following the Nov. 4 board meeting.

“Director Schatschneider is certainly no stranger to local government, having spent 12 years on Cranbrook city council and attending over 1,000 council meetings in that time.  She was first named as an alternate director at the RDEK in July 2001.Three years ago, she was appointed as one of the directors of this board,” Gay began.

“Liz, we have appreciated your dedication, commitment, and humour. Thank you for the service you have provided to the RDEK over the past three years. Your contribution to the betterment of our region is very much appreciated. We will miss working with you and wish you good health, happiness, and much-deserved rest,” he exclaimed before presenting her with a gift.

He then turned his attention to Manjak.

“Twelve years ago, Scott Manjak was elected as a Cranbrook city councillor and subsequently appointed as a director on the RDEK board. He has been a driven, passionate member of this board ever since,” Gay said.

“In the fall of 2000, Scott was appointed to the Ktunaxa Kinbasket Treaty Advisory Commission – and he has been our representative on TAC for the past 11 years. During this time he has not only been a dedicated participant in the treaty process, but has also worked cooperatively with our first nations neighbours to build new and strong relationships.

“He was elected as the chair of the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District in 2003 – a role he maintained for five terms. During his tenure as the hospital district, Scott’s leadership was recognized as the Cranbrook Hospital underwent a massive renovation and made the shift to the regional facility we have today.  For the past two years, Scott has served as the acting chair for the hospital district.

“On June 4, 2010, Scott was elected as our RDEK board chair.  He has represented our board and our region with integrity and pride. On October 26 Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett paid special tribute to Scott’s leadership and accomplishments with the city and our region in the B.C. legislature.

“Scott, it’s hard to sum up your contribution to this region. We hope you know how much your energy and efforts are appreciated. Looking back, we hope you will have many fond memories of the people, places and projects you’ve affected during your time as a director and mayor.

Donald Rumsfeld once said, “Enjoy your time in public service. It may well be one of the most interesting and challenging times of your life.” I imagine you would agree.

“On behalf of the board and staff here at the RDEK, we want to thank you for your commitment to our region and its people. We wish you and Raeleen all the best as you begin a new adventure in Sparwood,” he concluded, presenting Manjak with a gift.”

Schatschneider said her time on the regional board was a high watermark of her political career.

“The last three years at this table have been the absolute highlight,” she said.

Kootenay East Regional Hospital District chair John Kettle also saluted Manjak, his predecessor as chair.

“You will be missed,” he said, telling the board that it was Manjak who devised the strategy to ensure the Invermere Hospital emergency room renovations were placed back at the top of the provincial Ministry of Health’s to-do list. “And it was unorthodox,” he laughed.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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