PETERS: Strategic Plan the key to a productive term for this Kamloops mayor and council

It’s not even veiled anymore, with Hamer-Jackson and various councillors openly insulting each other in open meetings.

When it escalates into lawsuits, investigations and new codes of conduct, the friction becomes impossible for the rest of the city to ignore.

In a way, it’s a good sign that we are so preoccupied by the discord. It means we’re not used to it and don’t tolerate it as normal and acceptable.

But the actual work of city council and staff can get pushed into the background. Since they were elected one year ago, each and every one of these councillors has expressed the pride they take in the work they have accomplished in spite of the chaos that envelopes them.

One of the things council can take pride in producing is its Strategic Plan, the road map that will guide council’s decisions throughout their term.

Planning documents have a tendency to be either unrealistically aspirational or dull and meaningless. This council’s Strategic Plan is neither.

It sets out five priorities and, while it is not ordered in terms of importance, safety and security is listed first for a reason. It was unquestionably the top priority of voters who went to the polls a year ago.

The other four priorities speak to matters with which few in the city would take issue — solid governance, sustainability, a strong economy and a loud voice to upper levels of government.

The Strategic Plan is an example of good, valuable work by this council and the staff who helped them form it.

If they can keep their noses to this grindstone for the next three years, maybe their work product will cut through all the noise and tumult of their workplace.

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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.

by James Peters

PETERS: Strategic Plan the key to a productive term for this Kamloops mayor and council

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