By James Peters

Former Communist candidate Klossner to seek SD73 trustee’s seat

Jun 12, 2018 | 4:13 PM

KAMLOOPS — A former provincial political candidate is turning his attention to local politics.

Beat Klossner ran for the Communist Party of BC in the 2017 provincial election in the riding of Kamloops-South Thompson, finishing fifth out of five candidates.

Klossner now says he plans to run for District 73 school trustee in the fall municipal vote.

“I figured [School District 73 has] a budget of $170 million or more. That’s almost the same as the City of Kamloops and there’s very little interest in the school trustee elections,” said Klossner. “So I figured it needs some freshening up and some new ideas.”

“Every neighbourhood deserves an awesome school  and an awesome playground regardless of wealth or where it’s situated.”

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Klossner says his daughter attended Arthur Stevenson Elementary and Westsyde Secondary schools, so he is well-versed in the system from a parental perspective.

He says his priority will be ensuring the public school system stays public.

“I like to protect the public space, which is what school’s are. We have seen some contractors moving in. For example, at SKSS, the cafeteria is sub-contracted. I’m not too excited about that because that seems to be a foot in the door for privatization,” said Klossner.

The professional baker concedes partisanship takes a back seat in Kamloops election campaigns, but adds his Communist leanings will inform his priorities.

“I happen to be a member of the Communist Party, but we’re the one party that’s advocated for a fully funded, equal public school system. So you could probably not pick a better person for school trustee if you’re interested in a public school system.”

Kamloops voters go to the polls on October 20.