File photo (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

KAMLOOPS COUNCIL

Former MLA and mayor appointed to help Kamloops council work together

Dec 18, 2023 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Infighting, lawsuits and general discord at city hall in Kamloops since the 2022 election has come to a head, with a municipal advisor stepping in, in an effort to correct course.

“The fact that they were willing to meet and discuss and are willing to meet again in early January to me is a positive sign,” said Peter Fassbender. “I am going in with an open mind, hoping I can find a path to success for everyone involved — and especially for the taxpayers and citizens of Kamloops.”

Fassbender has worked in all types of political landscapes, from the chambers of the B.C. legislature as an MLA and cabinet minister to city hall in Langley where he served as mayor. Since the beginning of the month, he’s been gathering background on Kamloops.

“I’ve now met virtually with the mayor and all members of council, [as well as] some senior staff so far. I do plan to come to Kamloops in early January because I’m a firm believer that face-to-face is the best way to talk through these kinds of opportunities and issues,” added Fassbender.

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The move to bring in Fassbender comes following a council resolution proposed by Margot Middleton earlier this year that passed unanimously. Council is hopeful he can help them work through several challenges.

“This guy is coming in with no agenda, no experience with us except for a couple of meetings and he is going to be here for a while, off and on,” said Deputy Mayor Dale Bass. “And he has already been watching council meetings and has a rough idea of how things are going. I’m optimistic — cautiously. I won’t be surprised if nothing happens. I will be thrilled if something does happen.”

The dream for Bass is that by the time Fassbender leaves, Kamloops council will have a better understanding of procedure.

“That he has been able to explain proper governance to all of council — most of us know it. That he has been able to resolve some of these issues that have been challenging and not particularly helpful, you know the constant sniping that we have between some councillors and the mayor,” said Bass.

After years of public service, there is no situation at a council or committee table that Fassbender has not seen or been a part of.

“When you vigorously and passionately argue, that is a good thing, that is a healthy thing because it brings the best out in everyone. But, how its done and the fact that it should be respectful because everybody is equally elected that sits at a council table, so they each have a role to play,” said Fassbender.

Fassbender’s term in Kamloops runs until April.