Curious happenings at Regional District

It’s a story that doesn’t seem to come with many public explanations, filed as it is under the title of confidential personnel issues. However, the latest controversy at Regional District has become a kind of who dunnit and why, for a number of Northwest observers.

Over the last week, Princerupert.com has been looking into the suspension situation whirling around Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District and its administrator Janet Beil. A situation that has also caught the attention of The Queen Charlotte Islands Observer which has been following up on the story, since it first came to light.

Matters that involve Regional District always have seemed to carry a bit of mystery and animosity, caught up in the tug and pull between the largest municipality Prince Rupert and the outlying areas, who seem to clash from time to time over just how the bureaucracy of the Regional governing structure should work.

It’s a scenario that has been replayed over and over again since the days of Peter Lester, though this is the first time in recent memory that the issues have become such a public issue.

The Observer had the latest details on the developments posted to their website today.

Regional District administrator reinstated
Queen Charlotte Islands Observer
February 14, 2007

The Skeena-Queen Charlotte regional district board has reinstated administrator Janet Beil, after suspending her last month. Chair Barry Pages, mayor of Masset, said the board voted to reinstate Ms Beil at a meeting on Feb. 6. However, she is now on sick leave and remains out of the Prince Rupert office where she has worked for the past 19 years.

Mr. Pages said no one replaced Ms Beil while she was suspended. He did not explain why the board suspended her, saying that personnel issues are usually confidential. The regional district decided last year to hire another administrator to help out Ms Beil, but that position remains unfilled. Mr. Pages said several candidates were interviewed and the job was offered to one, but that person declined at the last minute.

"We're looking at our next steps," he said. "We're still recruiting."

Ms Beil, reached at her Prince Rupert home, said her doctor advised her to take two weeks sick leave but she is looking forward to returning to work. "Do you know how hard it is sitting here and not having anything to do?" she asked. "It's breaking my heart. I just would like to go back to my job. I don't carry animosity."

Ms Beil said her phone has been ringing all day long since news of her suspension came out, with residents of Rupert and the islands calling to offer their support. "They know I have been dedicated to the regional district," she said. "My heart is with the taxpayers."

Normally at this time of year, Ms Beil would be preparing the regional district budget. The 2007 budget must be passed by March 31. The next public regional district meeting is Feb. 23 in Prince Rupert.