Ahead of the Oct. 15 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 occupation and your historical connection to the Kamloops area.
I have lived in Kamloops most of my life, first moving to Logan Lake and then to Kamloops in 1991. Kamloops is my home; I cannot imagine living anywhere else. I have raised two sons in Kamloops and, with my husband Mike, own a small mobile agricultural repair business supporting the ranchers and farmers across the B.C. Interior. I have been an advocate and volunteer for our community’s vulnerable population for most of my adult life; these days more focused on but not limited to the needs of our growing senior population.
What differentiates you from the other candidates?
I am a community advocate driven by a lifelong commitment to volunteerism. This experience uniquely suits me to bring a much-needed understanding when council discussions turn to our complex issues, especially with needs around accountability. As a business owner, I understand how a vibrant economy benefits all levels of society and the need for the council to focus on affordability and growth.
What do you think is the best way to resolve disagreements or conflicts with your peers, those in a different department or those in a different jurisdiction?
One of the first ways to deal with disagreements is to do so in person, not in an email, text, or, God forbid, “social media.” Some tools to consider are inviting a third party, setting goals, and prioritizing discussion around the main issue. Sometimes personal opinions will not be negotiable; these instances will require both parties to work at finding a way forward.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing the City of Kamloops and how would use your elected position to address it?
The most significant issues facing our city now are related to the complex social problems around crime, homelessness, mental health, and addiction. If elected, I would work to change the conversation toward recovery and treatment using every tool available at the municipal level to promote change from higher levels of government. A lack of accountability and transparency within city hall has highlighted the need for an ethics and integrity officer similar to other B.C. cities; I would want to explore this option if elected. Kamloops lacks affordable housing and has shown no signs of slowing. If elected, I would work to reduce red tape along with the current lengthy wait times around zoning and permitting. We should be prioritizing multi-family zoning projects to increase affordability and availability.
How do you plan to involve Kamloops residents in your decision-making?
The residents of Kamloops have for too long been left in the dark on important decisions affecting their neighbourhoods and community. If elected, I will seek to limit secret closed-door meetings; these should be limited to personnel matters and property acquisitions.
What does a sustainable future for Kamloops and area look like to you and what does it need from mayor and council?
A sustainable future for Kamloops promotes growth while promoting good living conditions and supports the basic needs of its citizens. The mayor and council must focus on urban planning, accessible transportation, pedestrian and bike-friendly options, and good social planning around community centres.
