Update: Macnabb Not Seeking Re-Election; Two Enter Race

Sep 12, 2018 | 1:00 PM

Update: 1 pm:

The long time political rep for BX-Silver Star won’t be seeking a fourth term this fall.

Mike Macnabb has represented Area C on the Regional District of North Okanagan Board for 10 years, but says he’s recently had health issues develop.

“For me to be effective I would need to be certain that I could provide that input for the full four years, and I just don’t know at this point, so rather than chance it, I’ve decided to step aside,” Macnabb told Beach Radio News.

Macnabb — who is an engineer — says projects to widen roads in the electoral areas, and add fire hydrants, are two the initiatives he’s proud of.

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“It’s about 12 fire hydrants that we’ve been able to establish without any cost to the residents, but cost savings in terms of their fire insurance, so those are small initiatives but are indicative of trying to help the local residents.”

Macnabb also points to the Regional Growth Strategy and laying the ground work for the North Okanagan Wastewater Recovery Project as other accomplishments he’s proud to have been a part of.

While Macnabb won all three of his terms by acclamation, two candidates are running for Area C this fall: Amanda Shatzko and Mike Randell so far, with the deadline on Friday.

“I will not be supporting one over the other. I think that’s entirely up to the residents. They have to make that decision,” adds Macnabb.

Macnabb points to the Regional Growth Strategy, an initiative to widen roads in the electoral areas, and a program to add fire hydrants, as important projects he was able to help move ahead during his decade in office.

Macnabb — who won all three of his terms by acclamation — says he won’t be endorsing a particular candidate for his riding in the elections, with two people in the race at this point. (Pete McIntyre/Beach Radio News)

A long time face around the Regional District of North Okanagan is bowing out.

Electoral Area ‘C’ Director Mike Macnabb has decided not to seek re-election in October.

Macnabb has served ten years and three terms as Director.

He says a health issue prevents him from giving the 100% that he would like to give to the role.

Macnabb adds he’s looking forward to continuing to be involved in the community and spending more time with his family.

Below is a message from Macnabb to the community:

“Serving the community of BX-Silver Star has been an honour and a privilege and I have greatly enjoyed working with the residents on many different initiatives and projects over the years. Local government is unique in that it is the level of government which you most closely interact with and which is noticeable in your daily life. I encourage residents to continue to be informed and involved in their community through engagement with their local government.
Being an engineer shaped my view throughout my terms as Director and made me focus on supporting projects which benefited public safety and prosperity in both the short and long term.
Over the past 10 years, one of the initiatives that I am most proud of is the Board’s commitment to creating and implementing the Regional Growth Strategy for the betterment of the entire region. A wide cross section of people came together to give input into a plan which looks 20 years into our future and guides smart development while creating sustainable communities. Among my core values has always been the protection and promotion of agriculture which I believe is possible through forward thinking and good planning of our community.
I am also proud to have helped lay the groundwork for the North Okanagan Wastewater Recovery Project. This is an important project which, if built, will help protect the environment of the Swan Lake area by taking failing septic systems out of an environmentally sensitive area. There are still hurdles ahead with a petition for public support coming forward shortly and a pending grant application, but the partnership between the RDNO, Okanagan Indian Band and the Township of Spallumcheen is strong and I look forward to seeing how the next steps unfold. I truly hope that this project will come to fruition.
I have been fortunate to work with exemplary staff at the Regional District of North Okanagan and would like to thank everyone at the RDNO for their dedication to the community. The level of expertise and the range of knowledge that they bring to the District is nothing short of excellent.
I would like to thank my colleagues on the Board. I would especially like to thank the Electoral Area Directors for their support, cooperation, and for the united voice we had on many projects and issues.
Finally, but most importantly, I want to thank my wife, Jane for her support over these years – I could not have done this without her.”

by Tom Mark