Dan Ashton, former Mayor of Penticton has stepped down as chair of the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen.

Wheels now turning to find a replacement with July 4th targeted as the day for a vote.

Regional Directors will have an opportunity to meet Thursday and Friday of this week and seek support if so interested in the position.

ODN contacted four directors:

Allan Patton – Area C (Oliver) – no interest
Mark Pendergraft – Area A (Osoyoos) – definitely in the running
Michael Brydon – Area F (West Bench) – no interest
Ron Hovanes – Town of Oliver – considering the idea

In April – when Ashton stepped aside for the election – Mayor Hovanes and Director Pendergraft ran against each other for the interim-chair position. Pendergraft won.

Many years ago there was a tradition of allowing a rural director to chair the board but in the past decade someone from Penticton council has chaired the board.

(Hovanes at right – Pendergraft at left)