By Barb Brouwer, Salmon Arm Observer
There was no need to vote.
No other names were put forward and Dave Raven took the chair position by acclamation at the Columbia Shuswap Regional District's July 19 board meeting in Salmon Arm.
The mayor of Revelstoke and representative for his community on the CSRD board had taken over as interim chair when longtime Electoral Area C South Shuswap director Ted Bacigalupo became seriously ill last winter.
Bacigalupo's death in June left not only an empty chair but a vacancy at the head of the table as well.
Longtime Electoral Area E Rural Sicamous director Rhona Martin was elected vice-chair on the first ballot, and said she considers the position to be an honour.
Following this administrative task, Raven noted two letters of condolence the regional district received following Bacigalupo's death.
"In my time in politics and through working with those serving at the local government level, I have experience firsthand the many British Columbians who have selflessly devoted their time, energy and ideas to improving their communities in so many ways," wrote Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. "I understand Ted was enthusiastic and passionate about the issues affecting the citizens … His accomplishments are a testament to his commitment to the needs of the electorate."
Heath Slee, president of the Union of BC Municipalities, noted the depth of experience Bacigalupo acquired during his 13 years of service will be missed at the board table.
"The death of a colleague is also unsettling for us all, and a reminder that beyond the concerns and interests of community service there are forces of life that unite each of us as human beings," wrote Slee. "It is this shared aspect of our lives, our common humanity, which makes community service so important."