Hanson backpeddles on RDCO resignation statement

Patty Hanson, Central Okanagan East director (Photo: Contributed)

by Dave Preston

A director of the Regional District of Central Okanagan who got in hot water over comments she made at an April meeting apologized at a special meeting Thursday.

Director Patty Hanson called for the resignation of Chair Robert Hobson and Dan Plamondon, director of development services, at the April 23 regional board meeting.

Hanson was upset at the time over a development called Kelowna Mountain, which has been proposed as a large resort including a golf course, winery, suspension bridge, homes and commercial development.

The Kelowna Mountain development property sits above Kelowna’s Upper Mission, in the Central Okanagan East Electoral Area that Hanson represents.

Hanson is quoted as having said that Hobson doesn’t want any development int he area.

Hobson said Hanson’s remarks were uncalled for and could result in a lawsuit.

A few days after her original remarks, Hanson tried to clarify her position with media by saying what she meant was that Hobson and Plamondon should step aside any time there is discussion about the Kelowna Mountain project at the board table.

Thursday morning, a special board meeting was called to deal with a new development.

“I would like to make a formal public apology to Chair Robert Hobson and Director of Development Services Dan Plamondon for my statements at the regional district board meeting on April 23, 2012 where I asked for their resignation,” Hanson said at the meeting. “I recognize that this has caused them personal grief and was an attack on their professional reputation and as such, I unequivocally retract my statements that the entire board was deliberately misled by the chair and director.”

“I was frustrated with the process for rural development and commit to working with our staff, the chair and my colleagues on the board in the future to deal with issues such as this,” said Hanson.

Immediately following Hanson’s statement, the regional board unanimously moved that: The board provide a strong vote of confidence in Chair Hobson and Director of Development Services Dan Plamondon.

The meeting lasted two minutes and 10 seconds, according to Bruce Smith, communications director.