By Greg Fry

TRU prof says name recognition could be key to success in Kamloops by-election

Sep 22, 2017 | 3:49 PM

KAMLOOPS — Candidates can pound the pavement all they like but at the end of the day name recognition may be the deciding factor in who gets elected in this month’s Kamloops by-election.

“Name recognition really tends to drive success in these local elections,” says Dr. Terry Kading, associate professor of political science at Thompson Rivers University. “And certainly Ken Christian for mayor has a really strong advantage I believe because whether people remember him as a school trustee or as a city councillor his name is much more visible. And in terms of press coverage, there’s nothing controversial in terms of him becoming mayor of Kamloops.”

So, which candidates may have the edge in terms of grabbing the two council spots up for grabs?

“That’s a little bit more unclear. The only one I can think of who’s probabably got strong name recognition is Nancy Bepple. Beyond that it could be interesting to see who may get in based on their local connections, but I’m not sure if that translates into votes.”

Kading adds what’s struck him most about the campaign so far is that there seems to be a range of issues up for debate, not simply a singluar focus on the Ajax Mine issue.

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“We’re seeing more specific concerns related to the city like tax issues, housing affordability.”

General voting day is Sept. 30.