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.
We were posted to Kamloops in 1988 from West Germany where I was stationed with the PPCLI and posted to the Rocky Mountain Rangers as their chief clerk (administration and human resources). My children and wife liked it here so much, as did I, we determined that this was the place for us to retire and live. There is so much to like about Kamloops; why wouldn’t someone want to live here? I am involved with many different organizations in the community.
What differentiates you from the other candidates?
I have been deployed to various parts of the world and seen how others operated politically and I bring that knowledge. I bring dedication, integrity, honesty, professionalism, and pride in my community knowing what others have lived through. My need to bring the communities within Kamloops together using sports and community spirit to the city. My forward-thinking ability to get community involvement and execute plans. Being able to accept others’ ideas over my own. Council works for the community, not the other way around. Accessibility – being able to meet and see people on their schedule that works for them. Knowing that I am no different than any other person here in Kamloops and showing compassion and empathy with pride and honour with various sections of our great city. Work with all people on all agendas and not limit agendas to the limited few. The ability to say no when needed, not being a “yes man” to others. Having the community’s voice at the table.
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?
Simple and yet very hard is mutual cooperation and reasoning. Look at the long-term effects of what you’re working on. Discussing and coming up with a general consensus and mutual agreement. Understanding where they are coming from on their points of view and looking at their views. Being able to give and take, keeping calm and smile. The ability to work with others despite my views, what is best for the community as a whole.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing the City of Kamloops and how would use your elected position to address it?
There are many, many issues facing the city. The prioritization of major issues and dealing with them, working as part of a team to deal with the issues. Getting the public involved in the process and getting their thoughts and ideas on issues as well. One of the major ones I am looking at is safety and security on the streets of Kamloops. Involve the community, the police, and city officials in an open forum for long-term solutions in short order, prioritize and develop an exactable plan. Emergency communications – there are very few ways to connect with the police if out walking (not everyone has a cell phone). Have call boxes available for certain areas of the city and surrounding areas. Get people in all areas engaged in their community using inter community sports and recreations.
How do you plan to involve Kamloops residents in your decision-making?
Community forums – have at least two or more open council meetings where the community can come and address council. I would ask to have these on a Saturday or Sunday in an area that can accommodate a large number of people. Social media is the way of communication among many people and use what they know and like.
Bring people together and listen to their thoughts and ideas. Public forums.
What does a sustainable future for Kamloops and area look like to you and what does it need from mayor and council?
Grow and expand from within and limit the use of new land development. Densification at an affordable level for all citizens. Close off certain areas of our city to traffic and use more public transit, bike paths, walking paths, and trails. Use what we have currently with limited growth outward. Utilize the knowledge of those around us. Have a greater involvement with the First Nations community, utilize their knowledge and leadership with the rest of Kamloops and area.
Putting Kamloops in the forefront, making more attractions in the city for tourists to see and do, allow for more camping and recreation in the city proper. We need a council that is forward thinking and looking at what we can do for the future of our city. Bring back a reason for people to come and stay in Kamloops. Bring back a summer parade in conjunction with Hot Night and Rib Fest. The potential to turn this into a festival is amazing. Bring back the Kamloops Air Show. Capitalize on our sports history with friendly competitions.
