Grand Forks mayor reaching out to all sides post-election

Grand Forks Mayor Everett Baker has been working the phones following Saturday’s provincial election – reaching out to all side in order to build relationships.

During Monday’s council meeting (Oct. 21), Baker said he’s already spoken with Boundary-Similkameen MLA-elect Donegal Wilson.

“We had a conversation. I did indeed invite her to come to Grand Forks and to spend some time and I wanted to talk to her about where we’ve been and where we were looking to go and what her role would be in that, could be possibly in that discussion. That invitation has been extended and she has said yes as soon as the opportunity arises,” Baker said.

Baker added he was sorry to see current MLA Roly Russell leaving his role.

The mayor added he “took out (his) Rolodex” and called Conservative leader John Rustad and NDP leader David Eby.

With the balance of power in Victoria up in the air, Baker says it was also important to reach out to Nelson-area MLA Brittny Anderson and Trail-area MLA-elect Steve Morissette in the newly formed riding of Kootenay-Monashee.

“They are going to come and have coffee with me. If the NDP do form government, then I will be depending upon Brittny and Steve as advocates for us and Steve certainly agreed that he saw that role and we would talk together,” Baker said.

Baker says it’s important to maintain strong relationships with whoever forms government.

“I will continue to work with whichever government ends up in power to make sure we have that good connection that we’ve carried on for the past many years.”

The mayor says there’s work to be done and “grant funding that will need to be continued.”

Recounts in Saturday’s B.C. election are underway with no clear winner between the NDP and Conservatives.