In a move to provide pay equity and to keep up with pay raises that are acceptable with the Provincial Government the Board of the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (RDKS) discussed applying these same standards to their compensation packages.

“I warn you about speaking negatively to this increase in our pay,” stated Les Watmough, “as you are aware the Southern Press (referring to Vancouver and Victoria) is crucifying those that criticize this same raise in the MLA’s pay. As you can see the media is here watching us as well.”

Board Chair Jack Talstra started to calculate what this pay increase would amount too when he was interrupted by another board member and reminded that his pay would not increase by 29%. In keeping with the compensation package accepted in Victoria for the Premier, his pay would increase by 54%. Talstra dropped his pen and smiled.

“For those that don’t want it,” asked Talstra, “can they donate it to charities or elsewhere?” pondering “When was the last time we got a raise in our pay?”

RDKS Administrator Bob Marcellin and Treasurer Verna Wickie explained that the board members reviewed their compensation packages last year as they do each year and the only change was the amount paid for mileage, as some board members have to travel quite far to attend meetings. This was then used to justify why this increase in pay was timely. Some board members suggested that the real money was in the pension packages and they might consider amending the motion to include a pension fund.

Director Watmough reminded his associates that the Press would find this acceptable and would not be kind to the members that voted against the pay increase or a huge pension.

The Chair asked the administration if the monies were available to meet this increase in pay. Board members spoke about the various pockets of revenue that might be accessed to get these monies. There is a fund called the “Public Relations Fund” and another named “Contingency Fund”. The public relations fund seemed to garner the most interest as using this fund would certainly affect their relations with the public.

The matter was discussed at some length when Board Chair Talstra finally brought the matter to a close by reminding the Board that a motion was made, was on the floor, and required a vote. The pay increase was voted down by a vote of 10 to 1. As the press gallery observed this stunning display of audacity we are obligated to inform the public that only Director Watmough can be applauded for standing up for the standards acceptable to the Provincial Government and, more importantly, the mass media that guide the opinions of the citizens of British Columbia. It is important to remember this when reading materials provided by your other media organizations. This might be a humourous interlude to the dry reporting but it is also a serious commentary forcefully made by Watmough.