Edwin Grieve was re-elected chair of the Comox Valley Regional District by the narrowest of margins at Tuesday's inaugural meeting of a new board.
He and Courtenay director Bill Anglin were the only nominees. Each garnered five votes, even after a revote.
Grieve got the nod by way of a drawing of lots. This will be his fourth one-year term as chair.
"We've (board) done a pretty good job," Grieve said in a campaign presentation that touched upon a $600 million-plus investment in health care, a solid waste management plan and the establishment of a service area at Saratoga Beach.
Grieve also noted the board has "delivered a flat budget for three years running.
"Good discussion leads to good decisions," he said. "We need to complete the work we started."
In his presentation, Anglin acknowledged a sense of apprehension that might come with a representative from the largest municipality, but said the interest of the entire region is first and foremost. The benefit of being a new board appointee, he added, would bring a fresh perspective to issues.
Grieve and Ambler will serve in these positions for the next year.
Courtenay director Jon Ambler was acclaimed to the position of vice-chair.
Directors serve for a three-year term, although directors elect the chair and vice-chair each December.
Municipal mayors and councillors appoint directors from their areas to sit on the CVRD board, and the elected representatives from the electoral areas make up the other CVRD board members. Grieve represents Puntledge-Black Creek (Area C) as a director.
The Comox Valley Regional District is a federation of three electoral areas and three municipalities providing services for residents and visitors to the area.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com