Ritcey joins crowded race for Kamloops council

Ritcey outlined a three-point plan focusing on the environment, community and public safety.

“We really just control our RCMP and our Community Service Officer (CSO) staffing levels, but there is some room over the next term here to increase some of those levels and hopefully make a bit of an impact addressing [public safety] issues,” said Ritcey.

“We need to take a balanced approach to safety. Place a clear boundary that unacceptable behaviours like theft, vandalism and fire starting won’t be tolerated. We also need to work upstream on social issues that increase the likelihood of criminal justice involvement like mental health, brain injuries, poverty and addiction,” provided Ritcey in a press release, while also pledging to study the possibility of a municipal police force.

Ritcey wants to see 10 more officers and 10 new CSOs hired in the city.

He also wants to see more infill development in the city, while supporting the completion of the performing arts centre and arena multiplex.

“Focusing specifically on schools, and the main roads that connect to schools and thinking about the walking paths that kids and parent use to walk to school,” said Ritcey. “Because when I was a kid everybody walked to school, and now very few. Everybody kind of gets dropped off. I think if we have improved safety around sidewalks, that is a way we can address that.”

General voting day is October 17, with Kamloops electing eight councillors, one mayor and five school trustees.

by Michael Reeve

Ritcey joins crowded race for Kamloops council

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