Ahead of the Oct. 15 municipal election, CFJC Today asked candidates for Kamloops City Council to complete a questionnaire, offering voters the chance to evaluate their candidacies.
QUESTIONNAIRE:
Describe yourself, your occupation and your historical connection to the Kamloops area.
My second career is being a locksmith. My first career was at Rivershore Ram. Over the 37 years I had many roles: parts manager, parts and service manager, and fixed operations manager. I am also a metal work artist (currently shut down because I can’t purchase insurance). I feel connected to Kamloops because I was born here. I have lived in Kamloops my whole life. I have lived in many different parts of Kamloops. Each neighbourhood had its own personality.
What differentiates you from the other candidates?
My time spent being a manager taught me that I needed to consider different points of view before I make any decision. It also taught me that context is very important. Two very similar circumstances may need very different decisions. As a manager, I set many goals. Some of the goals took years to achieve, but because I’m tenacious, the goals were achieved. I can make the tough decisions. I can also advocate when that’s the right decision.
What do you think is the best way to resolve disagreements or conflicts with your peers, those in a different department or those in a different jurisdiction?
The best way to resolve disagreements or conflicts is to not make it personal. It is important to remember that if someone has a different perspective, they deserve to be heard and treated in a fair, respectable way. Attacking someone for a different view is very wrong. Even when responsibilities are not met, it is important to try to find a way to encourage engagement. The best results (decisions) often happen when opposing perspectives are expressed in a manner that causes no harm to any person. It also helps to admit when I fail.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing the City of Kamloops and how would use your elected position to address it?
We have many issues facing our city that are fighting for the biggest issue. Issues such as the homelessness, social and mental health, and crime and unsafe streets. I feel that in the last four years the city has invested a lot of resources to improve homelessness and today we are further behind. I would advocate for the homeless, but it is our provincial and federal governments that need to provide the services that are needed. I would use my elected position to ensure that the needed services are built in appropriate places with a more transparent process. The added services also need strong overnight. I feel that these “biggest issues” have also pushed out other important decisions that need consideration. I know that I can help make the right decisions to make positive changes to not only the biggest issues, but all issues.
How do you plan to involve Kamloops residents in your decision-making?
I support community involvement in decisions. I feel there are many ways that residents can be part of the process when upcoming decisions are made public. I feel there are too many decisions that are made in closed door meetings. Some closed-door meetings are needed but should be limited. Every closed-door meeting removes the residents in decision marking.
What does a sustainable future for Kamloops and area look like to you and what does it need from mayor and council?
Sustainable future to me looks like our daily way of life is causing no further damage to our city, province, country, and our world. Easy to say, but how much I’m willing to change my way of life to make this possible? Change is slow but as we see the results of our poor choices, the correct direction is becoming more clear. Sustainable future will change what we will buy, what kind of transportation we use, what type of housing we live in, and how we will heat our homes. I feel that the city can be a role model for the residents. Strong leadership is needed by the mayor and council to continue toward the changes that are needed.
