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By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: UBCM will be an intense week for Kamloops councillors

Sep 17, 2023 | 7:33 AM

DELEGATES ARE MAKING THEIR WAY TO VANCOUVER for tomorrow’s start of the Union of B.C Municipalities convention. While some see the convention as a waste of money, I’ve always seen the event as a good mix of social discourse and opportunities to learn about new ideas that may help in their own communities, and being able to mingle with various ministry officials who they can lobby for various needs. I think the vast majority of people who have gone have found it useful.

Speeches by the premier and other party leaders often provide positivity as well.

Sometimes, politics are put aside and there are significant announcements. When the premier speaks Friday, he is expected to address one of the key issues facing the province. It could be one of several. Health care, climate change, wildfires and, of course, housing and the cost of living.

All of Kamloops council will be there, with the exception of Nancy Bepple, who will hold down the fort at home. Too bad, because I think Nancy would add value to Kamloops’ efforts. But such is the luck of the draw.

And here’s where the story could take a bit of a twist. Many cities — and provincial officials, too — are well aware of the animosity that continues to grow between mayor and council.

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I suspect Kamloops delegates will be asked, “What the hell is going on in Kamloops?” The answer would be different if they talked to a council member or the mayor.

I also suspect each side will want to keep tabs on the other, kind of like a spy novel. Who did the mayor talk to? Maybe I should talk to that person. Who did Mike O’Reilly talk to? As mayor, I should make sure I get my two cents in.

I don’t know if that’s what would happen. But this is Kamloops in 2023, so who knows? With her writing background, Dale Bass could write a spy novel Tom Clancy or David Baldacci would be proud of.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.