As Merritt’s Corporate Services Officer, Ruth Tolerton offers experience and continuity in her role overseeing the administration of city affairs.

Tolerton is responsible for implementing Council policy, programs and managing special projects like the recent torch relay.

She has worked for municipal governments in Merritt and the lower mainland for the last 23 years.

“That is one of the perks of my job,” says Tolerton.

“It is really fun to step outside of routine and take on special tasks.”

Before taking on any extraordinary events, she must receive approval from Council and ensure that it does not conflict with her normal administrative duties.

Her other duties include; assisting council in its long and short-term goals, providing administrative fairness in all city interactions and ensuring that bylaw enforcement is done in a fair and expedient manner.

She has been in her current position for eight years and has seen three municipal elections, with the last bringing in four first time councillors and a new mayor.

“This is a progressive council that has done a lot, says Tolerton.

“Especially with its green initiatives like changing the city over to low flush toilets, the composting site and the completion of the recycling centre, which has become one of the busiest in the TNRD.”

Tolerton is also responsible for overseeing the bylaw department and assisting council in its wording before they are enacted.

“A bylaw is not implemented all in one evening,” says Tolerton.

“There is a process which needs to be followed, which most importantly allows for sober second thought and public input.”

If any of the steps are not followed a bylaw can be challenged in court and struck down with the potential for great cost and embarrassment for the city.

“I would say 95 per cent of the population respects bylaws.” Says Tolerton.

“But the public doesn’t always realize how much time can be involved in reaching compliance.”

“I have the utmost respect and admiration for those individuals who seek public office,” says Tolerton.

“But it is not a job I would want to do.”