Four-term Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Electoral Area C Director Rob Gay has announced August 3 he will seek a fifth straight term in office this October.

“Throughout my working life I have held a variety of positions where providing services to the public was the central goal. I would like to continue to serve the citizens of Area C and the RDEK,” stated Gay, who has also been RDEK Board Chair the past two terms (nearly seven years).

“I believe that after 13 years as Area C director I have the knowledge, skills, judgment and character to help ensure our residents continue to receive effective and efficient service and fair treatment. I have learned that democratic institutions, like the RDEK, require committed directors and dedicated staff to function well. I stand by my record,” Gay said, noting he has four strategic priorities for the next term (2018 to 2022): climate change; world class communication; transparent, open and participative government; and help community champions.

“Our future is becoming increasingly complex. The affects of our changing climate will impact all of our citizens and most businesses. We are already witnessing severe heat, more drought, larger and more active forest fires, abnormal stream flows and changing ecosystems,” Gay said.

“Our resource-based industries like agriculture, forestry and tourism will need to adjust to the changing climate. Governments at all levels must develop adaptation strategies. High on my list of priorities is helping to fireproof our communities to keep our citizens safe. Much more work and education are required if we wish to maintain our style of life in the East Kootenay.”

Regional residents are demanding world-class communications, Gay continued, relating his four priorities.

“Internet connectivity is now an essential service. Public safety, education, health and business cannot function without effective Internet. I will continue to pursue affordable, high-speed Internet and cellular phone coverage for all rural residents.”

Political accountability is an ever-more necessary thing and that is why Gay said he wants to ensure a transparent, open and participative government.

“RDEK directors will soon see a new set of rules on responsible conduct, which I endorse. I will also work to involve a greater number of community members on our advisory planning committee, solid waste advisory committee, utility commissions and continue to look for innovative ways to engage our citizens in helping us make the best policy decisions and bylaws for Area C.”

Finally, Gay said he will continue to focus on “community driven projects” and work with “community champions” to help drive them forward.

“May residents take advantage of our parks, trails, halls and lakes and rivers and want to see improvements. Volunteers are the backbone of the community. I will continue to work with and support the dedicated and hard-working community champions who have both a vision and a plan to accomplish their goals,” he stated.

Municipal, regional and school board elections are being held on Saturday, Oct. 20.

Lead image: Electoral Area C Director and RDEK Board Chair Rob Gay serves as emcee during the Elko Volunteer Fire Department official opening Jan. 30, 2016. Ian Cobb/e-KNOW file photo

– Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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