Home »
RDEK director ascends to top of UBCM
Invermere Mayor also on UBCM Executive
For the second time in five years a Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board director has ascended to the top of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities’ (UBCM) board of directors.
Electoral Area F Director Wendy Booth was yesterday acclaimed president of the UBCM board. Former Electoral Area B Director Heath Slee was UBCM president in 2011/2012.
Booth was the lone nominee running for president. She was first vice-president previously.
Joining her on the executive are City of Kamloops Councillor Arjun Singh as first vice-president, District of Sooke Mayor Maja Tait as second vice-president and third vice-president is being shared by Town of Smithers Coun. Phil Brienesse and City of Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz.
District of Invermere Mayor Gerry Taft will also be serving on the UBCM Executive as a Director at Large, along with District of Vanderhoof Coun. Brian Frenkel, City of Nelson Mayor Debra Kozak, District of Oak Bay Coun. Kevin Murdoch and Central Coast Regional District Director Alison Sayers.
Booth is no stranger to UBCM committees, having served on several since first being elected Area F Director in 2008. She is also currently vice-chair of the RDEK board and a member of the Columbia Basin Trust board.
“I enjoy asking the tough questions and look for solutions that meet the needs of local government. Relationships, partnerships and collaboration are key to being successful. These are traits that I use in every day life. These are strengths that I would bring to the position of president,” Booth said in a nomination letter to the board.
“This role is truly an honour and one that I take seriously. Having been mentored by several past UBCM presidents I feel that I am ready to serve in these shoes,” she said.
Regional peers are happy about Booth’s ascension to the top of the UBCM.
“On behalf of the RDEK, I want to congratulate Wendy. She works tirelessly and is fully committed to everything she takes on. Here in the East Kootenay, we are lucky to have such a passionate voice representing us on a provincial level,” said RDEK Board Chair and Electoral Area C Director Rob Gay. “On a broader scale, British Columbians will benefit from Wendy’s leadership as she continues to advocate for policies and programming that benefit us all.”
“A great honour and one she earned as she is the hardest worker I know. And smart and beautiful and from the East Kootenay!” stated City of Fernie Mayor and RDEK board director Mary Giuliano.
Other regional elected officials to serve as UBCM president include the late Jim Ogilvie, former City of Kimberley Mayor (1980/81) and former City of Cranbrook Mayor RE Sang (1952/53).
e-KNOW
