Sadie Hunter is one of five candidates running for mayor of Kamloops (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

SADIE HUNTER

ELECTION PROFILE: Hunter wants female representation in mayor’s chair

Oct 6, 2022 | 12:47 PM

KAMLOOPS — There is good female representation on Kamloops city council with three current councillors who are women.

However, Sadie Hunter, one of those current council women, wants a woman represented in the mayor’s chair.

“I think it’s time for a change in leadership. It’s important for a diverse set of voices at the table. I don’t necessarily see my represented at that leadership role, and the community’s looking for something different,” noted Hunter.

If elected, Hunter would be the second female mayor ever after Kenna Cartwright.

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She has chronicled her journey as a single mother who’s done a diverse number of jobs in her life. Coupled with her one term on council, Hunter feels that experience will serve her well as mayor.

“I didn’t get where I am by just sitting idly by and waiting for things to happen. I’m very proactive and goal-oriented and action-oriented, and I think that’s something we really need right now,” she said. “So to date, I’ve only been on council for four years, yes, but I’ve gone and found ways to push harder and ask for more through my role on the executive of UBCM [CLIP]Union of BC Municipalities] and outside of that. I’ve formed alliances with other mayors and councillors across the province.”

Within that role, Hunter says she’s advocated for better emergency response in regards to floods and fires in the Interior. She’s also been a strong advocate for better public transportation, which is in line with her goal to reduce greenhouse gases within the city.

As mayor, Hunter would also like to change the “tone” around political conversations and try to shore up some of the divisiveness that’s come with issues such as homelessness and crime.

“So one of the things I would like to do is have a community health and safety forum to have those conversations about the frustrations and the fears because they’re real and they’re valid,” she said. “Let’s also talk about solutions and education and information about what is happening, what we can do.”

Overall, Hunter is all about making Kamloops more livable with greater access to amenities in the city.

“We’ve done a great job with the current Tournament Capital branding. I think we can go beyond that and look more at the passive recreation. Not everyone in Kamloops plays team sports, but we have so much more to offer,” she noted. “Some of the other things that are identified in our recreational master plan include cultural aspects.”