Deputy mayor to continue

Summerland council has green-lit the full-time deputy mayoral position this term.

Council discussed the matter Tuesday, deciding to keep it going after the role was created in 2022.

Mayor Doug Holmes recommended for Coun. Erin Trainer to be appointed deputy mayor for the 2022 – 2026 council term, subject to a review in two years.

Holmes recommended Trainer at the time because of her eight consecutive years on council and time spent on the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen board.

The decision was to appoint a deputy mayor for the full length of the term, rather than an acting mayor on a rotating basis.

Trainer recused herself from the discussion and voting on the matter on Tuesday afternoon, as she currently holds the position.

Coun. Marty Van Alphen said he thought the position was working well, especially having Trainer, as a mom of three young children, bringing in perspective from a different demographic than Mayor Holmes.

However, Coun. Janet Peake said she wanted consideration for the position to be changed to a shorter term, allowing others the opportunity to step into the role.

“I would like to see it go to a rotation of a year at a time,” she added. "That would give other council members the opportunity to practice their skills for chairing a committee of the whole, for doing that liaison work with the mayor and staff, and I think those skills acquired are very good ones."

Holmes noted that he thought the roles were working well.

“For me, I don’t see the deputy mayor position as kind of a mayor-in-training position,” Holmes said. “I rely on her to be a second set of eyes on a lot of emerging and pressing issue [...] she does represent a different demographic than I do.”

“She kind of keeps the mayor in his place and I’m okay with that because as the person that occupies that position, I have full confidence in her ability.”

All the councillors echoed their support for Trainer’s work in her role as deputy mayor.

Council supported Trainer staying in her position, with Peake opposed.

In regards to a future deputy mayor, the next council will decide on how or if to continue the role and who would serve.