Kerby gets Harold Hurst Award

By KATHY NUSSBERGER

Managing Editor

Bonners Ferry Mayor Darrell Kerby has been chosen by his peers to receive the Harold Hurst Award.

The award was announced at last week's 60th Annual Conference of the Association of Idaho Cities (AIC),

"The Harold Hurst Award is the most prestigious recognition given to a local elected official by the Association of Idaho Cities," AIC Executive Director Ken Harward said.      

"Darrell Kerby has provided strong leadership, is passionate about public service, and has demonstrated impeccable integrity. He is a wonderful role model for other public officials."

The award is given annually to a city official who demonstrates exemplary performance within city government and contributed to the accomplishments of the Association of Idaho Cities.

"I was very surprised and honored to learn I was chosen as the recipient for this year's award," Kerby said. "It is very humbling to receive such an award from ones peers." Harward added that Kerby is a passionate advocate for his city.

"He is a most worthy recipient of the 2007 Harold Hurst Award," Harward said. "Two recent highlights from Mayor Kerby's long list of accomplishments include the completion of the $1 million International Gateway Visitor Center overlooking the Kootenai River, and moving forward with major improvements to the city's water system in the wake of the 2003 Myrtle Creek fire. These improvements includes drafting of a water system master plan and passage of a $3 million bond."

After 28 years of dedication as both a city councilman and mayor to the community he grew up in, Kerby continues to devote a majority of his life to the City of Bonners Ferry.

He is currently a member of the Idaho Board of Health & Welfare and the Idaho Energy Resources Authority Board. He also chairs the Boundary Economic Development Council, co-chairs the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative, serves as Vice-Chair of the North Idaho Mayors' Coalition, is on U.S. Senator Larry Craig's Advisory Committee.

Held at the Coeur d'Alene Inn from June 13-15, the conference covered numerous topics including developing and maintaining basic infrastructure, writing and passing ordinances, investing and bringing new technology to public works, battling the methamphetamine epidemic and operating municipal water systems.

With several workshops and speakers to help city officials and their staff more smoothly run their respective municipalities. About 500 delegates and family members were expected to attend this year's convention, titled: "The City I Live In …What It Means To Me."