Salt Spring Islanders have elected four residents to a newly formed Local Community Commission that will take over some of the functions handled by the Capital Regional District.
Gayle Baker led the way with 1,977 votes, followed closely by Brian Webster, who earned 1,974 votes. Earl Rook had 1,538 votes and Benjamin Corno had 919.
In total, 15 candidates ran in the election, which took place on May 27.
Voters endorsed the new commission in a referendum that was part of the Oct. 15 municipal elections, and the CRD officially adopted a bylaw for it to proceed.
Gary Holman, director of the CRD’s Salt Spring Island Electoral Area, initiated the commission proposal.
The Local Community Commission will oversee Island-wide services currently managed by CRD commissions, such as parks and recreation, transportation and transit, economic development and liquid waste disposal.
The commission will also administer certain local services now overseen by CRD staff and the electoral area director, including street lighting, a livestock injury compensation service and approval of grant-in-aid applications.
