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.
I see myself as an outgoing individual who has developed great relationships with many people throughout my lifetime. I value relationships in life. Being active in our community since 1983 has allowed me the opportunity to be very self-aware of my traits. Outgoing, people-oriented, persuasive, patient, agreeable, self-confident and assertive.
Stingray Media currently employ me. Most people will point publisher of Kamloops This Week for 20-plus years.
My connection through Kamloops dates back to 1983. I decided to give Kamloops an opportunity. I wanted to own a home, raise a family, enjoy the lifestyle Kamloops has to offer — and as well, be successful in business.
After 30 plus years in the media business, two successful kids, a nice home with Mary-Lee and a lifestyle that matches the Kamloops community. I think back and say, ‘I did make the right decision back in 1983.’
What differentiates you from the other candidates?
I come to the council table with a very solid business acumen, a good understanding of basic economics, depth in governance, human resources and risk management skills. Having been a team leader most of my life, I understand how to gather and gain consensus. I am also not afraid to have the courage to make a big step when time calls for it. Not getting lost in the weeds.
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?
Whether a disagreement or conflict, it needs to be addressed. Far too often, we do not address the disagreement. You need to find courage. Address the situation.
Clarify what the issue is — I call this gathering the intel. To analyze and study the disagreement or conflict.
Once you have reviewed the data, set up an opportunity to discuss the disagreement. A nice discussion with both parties participating. Try your best to find a resolution to the challenge. See the resolution as an opportunity.
In addition, do not be afraid to review and discuss the progress. Are we hitting the targets and goals set out in the discussion?
When you have a challenge with those in other departments or those in other jurisdictions, you need to follow protocol that is set out by Human Resource departments.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing the City of Kamloops and how would use your elected position to address it?
My top three priorities are growth and development for Kamloops. I want our residential and commercial opportunities to grow. I want our city to be more competitive with manufacturing opportunities. As an elected official, I also think that being fiscally responsible, transparent and accountable to the taxpayer has extreme value.
However, the community as a whole is frustrated and angry with regard to safety on our streets. As an elected official, we need to further address this challenge. We need to push back on other levels of government. Letting BC Housing know that we need more than housing; we need care facilities like sobering and detox centres, Car 40 programs. More facilities like the Foundry Center for youth. When I talk to recovering addicts, they often say that this is what brings results — not temporary shelters. Agencies need to be more timely and accountable for assistance.
Prolific offenders need to be dealt with. As outlined in the Urban Mayors report, this is the Number 1 challenge in communities like Kamloops.
The catch-and-release programs are not working. We need to give the RCMP the tools to do their jobs. We pay taxes to have them provide us a safe community to live in. Right now, they are handcuffed.
This challenge on the street is one that needs to be managed better. We are not going to solve this problem, but we can be doing a lot more to make our streets more enjoyable.
How do you plan to involve Kamloops residents in your decision-making?
We need to have a transparent network the involves the taxpayer. We currently have many ways to communicate to the people of Kamloops. Currently, the City has used digital networking as well as a weekly paid advertising in the local newspaper. We also have numerous community meetings to review items such as budgets and OCP plans.
We can look at involving the various community associations throughout Kamloops. These associations have a significant grassroots following with some great community experience.
Heighten the awareness of Let’s talk Kamloops, an interactive online service asking Kamloops to be engaged. Speak up on projects, send in ideas and communicate these with City staff.
Have some community engagement seminars with mayor and council.
What does a sustainable future for Kamloops and area look like to you and what does it need from mayor and council?
Having a healthy robust, thriving business community will assist every sector in our city. This will give us leverage to attain the Community Climate Action Plan put in place June of 2021.
If only we as a society would have listened to the scientists back in 1972 that climate change will be a problem in years to come. As a community, we all have a responsibility to check in our own backyards and ask, ‘What I am doing to curb my emissions?’ We only have to look at City land waste site and realize that the instant gratification society that we live in needs an adjustment.
An integrated approach to sustainability will bring us all together and further minimize our footprint. As a City, we need to encourage everyone to participate in making better choices.
The Community Climate Action Plan reducing emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 is an aggressive target that will take work from all corner of our community. Our Master Plan on Urban Transportation needs to coexist with the Community Climate Action Plan. Number One concern is GHG emissions from transportation. Let us get after better urban transportation programs. That include opportunities for better roads, sidewalks and a community cycling path that has a positive network walking, hiking, biking and EVs.
Active and engaged community with good direction, support, we can meet our CCA plan. It will be work but we can do it. Let us put community first.
As a community, we have significant influence on GHG emissions that directly affect climate. Continued education in our community is needed to help garner support for this growing cause. Ensure all grants and funding available are applied for and giving our community the opportunity to capitalize.
Our Master Plan on Urban Transportation needs to coexist with the Community Climate Action Plan. Number One concern is GHG emissions from transportation. Let us get after better urban transportation programs. That include opportunities for better roads, sidewalks and a community cycling path that has a positive network walking, hiking, biking and EVs.
Active and engaged community with good direction, support, and we can meet our CCA plan. It will be work but we can do it. Let us put community first.
