By James Peters

First-term councillor Dhaliwal eyes Kamloops mayor’s chair

Apr 12, 2018 | 11:21 AM

KAMLOOPS — A Kamloops councillor who has been on the job for less than a year is looking for the mayor’s chair.

Ray Dhaliwal was elected to council in last September’s Kamloops by-election, along with Councillor Kathy Sinclair and Mayor Ken Christian.

Now, Dhaliwal says if he can get his lock-and-key businesses squared away, he will seek to dethrone Christian.

“Being a councillor has been very rewarding, and I appreciate the opportunity, but I’ve never been afraid of a challenge,” said Dhaliwal. “I’m 70 per cent positive that I’d like to run for mayor, but it depends on the businesses. I’m working to rectify that, because I can’t run a business as well as take over the mayor’s chair if I am successful.”

Dhaliwal’s ambition for the city’s top elected position does not stem from dissatisfaction with the man holding the job right now.

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“Ken’s doing a really good job. I’m very happy serving with him on council,” said Dhaliwal. “He’s very positive, proactive and doing a fantastic job. I have no problems with him at all being the mayor at this time.”

The locksmith and president of the Kamloops Multicultural Society acknowledges he has received criticism for not speaking up during regular council meetings, but argues he brings a listening ear to the job.

“I’ve had so many direct calls, [from people who] just want to talk and have things clarified for them,” said Dhaliwal. “Some people are very passionate, and we talk just like normal people. I think that’s brought a comfort level for people. At least they know there’s someone here who will listen to them and talk to them. As long as they want to talk, I’m here to listen.”

“At the beginning, I was told to just sit back and listen and learn. When I do have something important to say that can be of value, I definitely will say it, but in most everything, the councillors are very well-seasoned and they bring everything to the table that I want said.”

Dhaliwal says he expects to make his final decision on a mayoral run by mid-to-late August.

The general election date is set for October 20.

“I’m working on some things at the office,” said Dhaliwal. “I’ve taken over another business here in town (Brown’s Repair Shop), a very well-respected business and working on staffing. If things go well without me, then absolutely I can take the next step.”