Kamloops invites candidates, voters to learn about council roles and responsibilities

“It’s being hosted by Christina Benty, the former mayor of Golden,” Rodrigue said. “She has over 25 years of experience in governance and she’s going to help people understand the difference between council and governance and what the different roles are, how council differs from administration and what people can expect when they’re sitting in these seats.”

In addition to her 12 years in local government, Rodrigue said Benty has served on numerous policy governance boards spanning health care, government, information technology and community planning.

“Your mayor and city councillors are your neighbours, your friends and your fellow citizens. We want to elect people who care,” Benty said in a city statement. “However, caring in and of itself is not enough.”

“Governance takes both understanding and practiced skills. The most effective elected officials are the ones who understand the system, not the ones who blame the system.”

Rodrigue said the free event will be capped at 50 attendees, and a recording of the meeting will also be posted online in case people can’t attend. Pre-registration is required and people can start signing up on Wednesday (July 15) next week.

“It’s about making the room engaging and a comfortable environment for everybody,” Rodrigue said of the decision to limit the number of attendees.

“We know with a cap, not everyone who wants to go might be able to attend, and even with the timing, so we are going to be recording the session and putting it on our Let’s Talk page with the Love Your City campaign. It’ll be available after for people to watch.”

by Elora McCormack

Kamloops invites candidates, voters to learn about council roles and responsibilities

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