Baker acclaimed Chair, Vonesch elected Vice Chair of the SRD

Roy L Hales/ Cortes Currents - Mark Baker is once again acclaimed Chair and Mark Vonesch was selected as the new Vice Chair of the Strathcona Regional District Board. These offices are yearly appointments and were made at the board’s inaugural meeting on Wednesday November 19, 2025.   This will be the fourth consecutive year that Mark Baker has been chosen Chair.   Campbell River Director Susan Sinnott and Regional Director Mark Vonesch ran for election as Vice Chair.  When neither candidate was able to obtain the necessary 8 votes after two rounds, they were asked to give a short speech.   Director Vonesch was first: “Thank you, this is fantastic: democracy in action. I think you've all seen the vigor and the passion that I brought to this board table , working for my community and working together to, to move the priorities of this board forward. That's something that I would bring to this leadership position. When I'm in meetings at UBCM, I'm speaking loudly and strongly for the needs of this entire district. I believe deeply in the power of government to have an impact on people's lives and the decisions that we make here are important. As the Vice Chair, I would be a candidate for all of you. I'd be a candidate for Campbell River. I'd be a candidate for Zeballos, Tahsis,Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations, Sayward and all the areas. Gold River, of course, Michael. I'm honored to be nominated and I appreciate you considering your support for me. I promise to hold this position with integrity and passion.” Director Sinnott stated,  “Thank you. So everyone knows I have been vice chair and it's not very often that you serve, but the most important event I felt very special about was what Director Rice did this year, which was represent the SRD at the Remembrance Day, which I think was a really nice thing to be able to do because our current chair is in his own community. The other thing is I can run a meeting very quickly and efficiently, I think, and make sure that we get through our business promptly and as well as represent the interests of the region as a whole because I'm very much into the regional approach.” This was followed by a third and once again inconclusive round of votes, after which they drew lots.  Thomas Yates, Senior Manager of Corporate Services, declared,  “Director Vonesch has been elected as Vice Chair.”  Chair Baker closed this segment of the board meeting:  “Well, congratulations to Director Vonesch. Thank you all again for electing me chair for the fourth year. I appreciate that very much. I will try to make you proud.”