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MLA Bennett pays tribute to Cranbrook’s Manjak
Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett paid tribute to City of Cranbrook Mayor Scott Manjak (pictured above) and highlighted his contributions and dedication to the city today, Oct. 26 in the B.C. Legislature.
“Mr. Speaker, what does it take to be a good mayor? I have never been a mayor personally, but I’ve been working closely with a particularly effective one for the past three years and he’s with us today in the gallery,” Bennett said, outlining Manjak’s legacy.
“Mr. Speaker, before becoming Mayor of Cranbrook in 2008, Scott Manjak was a forest worker who was laid off in the 1990s, as a result of actions by a former government that I am not permitted to explain under the rules of these short statements.
“Rather than despairing in his fortunes, Scott got himself educated, found a very good job in Cranbrook, raised a family, sat on the (Regional District of East Kootenay) RDEK board, chaired the East Kootenay Regional Hospital Board and served as a city councillor.
“For three terms on council, Scott watched, listened, participated and learned, before he took on the job of mayor. Scott inherited several big issues, not the least of which was an aging sewage treatment system under intense scrutiny by the provincial Ministry of Environment.
“Thanks to Scott’s leadership, the City of Cranbrook is just finishing a $17 million upgrade to an already innovative system.We would not have our expanded ER, our new diagnostics centre, or new ambulatory care centre, if not for Scott’s leadership as Chair of the East Kootenay Regional Hospital Board.
“I have no doubt Scott would be re-elected mayor of Cranbrook again if he wanted that. However, Scott is moving to Sparwood with his wonderful wife, Raeleen, as she embarks on a career change.
“I’m certain this next chapter of Scott’s life will include more time with his two grown children, Christopher and Moraya. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all my constituents in Kootenay East, and particularly the citizens of our home town, Cranbrook, and on behalf of all Members of this Assembly – thank you Mr. Mayor for all your effort, your sacrifice and your dedication these past 12 years,” Bennett concluded.
