Bedford elected ECan chair

"I'm very conscious of the fact that we still continue to have, in many people's minds, a less than perfect model." ECan chairman David Bedford

The majority-elected Environment Canterbury (ECan) council will be led by one of its appointed members.

Councillor David Bedford was elected chairman at the council’s first meeting yesterday.

Some had expected an elected councillor to take the chair, given they form the majority. The council is made-up of seven elected and six appointed members.

Bedford defeated challenger Peter Scott, an elected South Canterbury councillor, by eight votes to five.

He had the support of his fellow appointed councillors and elected councillors Claire McKay and John Sunckell.

Bedford, a Hurunui winegrower, was appointed as a commissioner in 2010. During that time, he led the regional air plan review and had stewardship of the council’s finances.

‘‘He has a close working knowledge of the many functions of this regional council and above all, he has the skills of leadership,’’ said appointed councillor Peter Skelton, in support of Bedford.

Bedford said he was honoured to take the position, and would use his experience as a commissioner to bring continuity.

‘‘I’m very conscious of the fact that we still continue to have, in many people’s minds, a less than perfect model,’’ he said.

‘‘I’m really confident we will overcome that and that we will work together to get the best outcome for the people of Canterbury.’’

Some councillors had wanted an elected member to take the chair, in recognition of the new model.

Christchurch councillor Steve Lowndes backed Scott for that reason.

‘‘We need to signal to the public that a change has taken place,’’ he said.

Lowndes was elected deputy chairman, in a seven to five vote against McKay.