Ahead of the Oct. 17 municipal election, CFJC Today asked candidates for Kamloops City Council to complete a questionnaire, offering voters the chance to evaluate their candidacies.
QUESTIONNAIRE:
Describe yourself, your professional background, and why you’re running for public office in Kamloops?
My name is Dave Baker. My wife, Susan, and I have enjoyed living in Kamloops for the past two years. We have two daughters and two grandchildren in Kamloops as well. I have intended to run for council ever since we moved here. I have 10 years experience in municipal politics and feel it is the most important level of government that we have. I want to be involved in this beautiful city of ours.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing the City of Kamloops and how would you use your elected position to address it?
I don’t believe that Kamloops has one specific big issue. Fiscal responsibility is one I will address. I would actively participate in the budget decisions yearly where council must decide on where the money is spent. I would advocate that our needs should come before our wants. Spending our dollars wisely without attaining too much debt is crucial.
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?
Having spent time on a council before, working with two different mayors and 12 different councillors, I learned how to debate issues using respect and civility. If elected, I will conduct myself in a professional manner, treating my fellow councillors, mayor and city staff with respectful behaviour. To me, being respectful is shown through body language, actively listening to others, being polite, and being open to others’ opinions.
Considering recent years of large municipal tax increases in Kamloops, how would you address the city’s tax rate going forward?
In the last five years, tax increases have ranged from 4.92 per cent to 9.55 per cent. As the cost-of-living increases, so does the cost of providing services. I think we could try for stabilized increases at a reasonable rate each year. This would help our taxpayers budget and plan for their future.
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?
Depending on the cost and how controversial the project is, I believe a referendum should be considered. Both processes have their merits. The AAP process is a cost-effective method compared to a full referendum. According to the City of Kamloops, the APP cost is about $12,000, and the cost of a referendum is about $200,000. When possible, combining a referendum with a municipal election would be a cost-effective alternative. The voting public may feel like they have more of a say with the referendum method.
What are your thoughts on communication between the City of Kamloops and its residents? Are there areas of improvement you’d like to see?
Communication is key to everything we do. Transparency and sharing information are important. Personally, I think the City of Kamloops is doing a great job of getting information out to most of our residents. Much of this communication is done online, however some people prefer other means. Citizens of Kamloops need as many ways as possible to take part and be involved with the decisions that affect them. Bringing back public opportunities to speak to an agenda item at council meetings, holding town halls and pop-up engagement at events are examples of possible ways to improve communication.
