CANDIDATE PROFILE: Barbara Morin

I am running for city council to champion practical leadership, responsible spending, safer streets, attainable housing, and stronger local economic growth.

I will listen closely, ask tough questions, and remain accountable to Kamloops residents. My goal is to bring collaborative, practical, transparent, and responsible leadership to city hall.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing the City of Kamloops and how would you use your elected position to address it?

Responsible spending and fiscal stewardship are addressed in the next question. Safer streets are equally important, and compassion and public order can coexist. We must strengthen coordination among bylaw and community safety officers, police, fire services, and service providers to address open drug use and crime. We may need bylaws and must also press the province to expand detox services, complex-care beds, and recovery-oriented treatment.

Following a term highlighted by infighting and tension at city hall that impacted Kamloops’ public image, how would you ensure civil discourse and good governance would take place between yourself, fellow elected officials and city staff?

My goal is to bring common-sense decision-making, decorum, and professionalism to council, supported where appropriate by a strong code of conduct, Robert’s Rules of Order, and clear best-practice guidelines.

Considering recent years of large municipal tax increases in Kamloops, how would you address the city’s tax rate going forward?

Residents cannot afford substantial tax increases year after year, so property taxes should be kept as low as possible. I would insist on realistic budgets, firm cost controls, and an independent review, followed by voter approval, before the city commits to any major new project.

As major infrastructure projects are on the horizon in Kamloops, how would you prefer the city go about gaining the electorate’s approval – via referendum or the alternative approval process (AAP)? Why?

Every tax dollar must be managed responsibly, accountably, and with clear justification. Council should commission an independent review of every major project, assessing its benefits, drawbacks, risks, and potential for job creation.

Give each elector a meaningful, informed say before taking on major debt for nonessential projects.

Informed consent must be obtained for any major non-essential project must be obtained through a referendum that lays out the long-term debt, the percentage the proponents will fundraise for, any grants obtained, and benefits for taxpayers (job creation and upkeep costs).

What are your thoughts on communication between the City of Kamloops and its residents? Are there areas of improvement you’d like to see?

The city must communicate transparently and provide meaningful, timely opportunities for community engagement. It should report what it hears and clearly explain how public input informs its decisions.

by CFJC Today

CANDIDATE PROFILE: Barbara Morin

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