COLLINS: Kamloops councillors need to do better this year

Stephen has been slow to get going, at least on the surface. There is little to say about Stephen’s performance. I wonder if he understands how hard councillors need to work. It’s not a once-a-week job, as I’m sure he knows, but sometimes I think he treats things too lightly. Bringing popcorn to council meetings isn’t the way to change the perception that city council isn’t much more than a circus. Recent meetings show that Stephen may be able to take things to a higher level this year. Hopefully he’s ready to step it up a notch.

MARGOT MIDDLETON: C-

I do not know Margot that well, and I have no idea what her stance is on many issues. She’s pretty quiet, and that’s not bad, but I hope this year I can figure out where she thinks the city is going. She brings a solid business background to council, but there has been little sign of her acumen — at least in the public eye — so far.

NANCY BEPPLE: C

I find it very hard not to like Nancy. She is out and about and really is a good ambassador. She just keeps going and going. As someone pointed out, she is on committees most of us didn’t even know existed and she attends many events of a less public nature. That’s very commendable, because often only the big events draw the politically motivated. She takes selfies everywhere she goes, which can be a bit annoying but also shows council at work. And she’s certainly not alone in that regard.

BILL SARAI: C

Bill might be higher up my list, but he often is too quick to anger. He and the mayor have had a few set-tos, and I just think you can do better when you’re not letting anger cloud your thinking. Bill’s work in liaising with T’Kemlups te Secwepemc has been his strong point. That relationship between the Nation and the city is critical to our future, and Bill has been a champion in that regard. Bill has sometimes opened TNRD meetings with a prayer in the Secwepemc language and things like that go a long way to foster inclusion and community.

KELLY HALL: C+

I’ve known Kelly for many years. When I worked with him on the Y board years ago, I found he did his homework and that continues on council. He digs into issues and that’s important. We in the public don’t often take the time to understand how all the pieces fit together. You need those people who can add that kind of perspective. Kelly is not really flashy, but when he has an opinion, he offers it. He needs to do more of that.

KATIE NEUSTAETER: B-

Katie is one of the most driven people I know. There are few people I know who are as focused as she is. She knows where she wants to go and how she wants to get there. That’s good and bad. I’m sure most people are already thinking part of her plan is to run for mayor in 2026 — or maybe even sooner. She is a little over the top with all the “rah-rah Kamloops is great” attitude. On the other hand, it’s hard to be critical of someone so cheery about our future. But all is not rosy in Kamloops and I think I would just like to see it toned down a bit. Just get to the point and on with business.

MIKE O’REILLY: B

Like Katie, I sense Mike is also in a “future mayor” mode. He has taken on some tough jobs, including the role of dealing with the mayor and some of his issues with council. He’s a good businessman, doesn’t seem to talk just to get headlines, and seems inclusive during discussions. He doesn’t take the bait when others try to goad him, and that’s the sign of a strong leader. If he wants to be mayor, his business acumen and leadership over the next year will go a long way to put him into a good position.

DALE BASS: A-

I know there are some who would quibble about my choice of Dale in this spot. But I think Dale is a top-notch councillor. She is not afraid to say what she thinks. Not a bunch of thought to ensure it looks good for a future campaign — here it comes with both barrels. Saying the things that need to be said as opposed to appealing to the masses is one of Dale’s strong points. We need those kinds of people. But more than that, Dale is involved in lots of things behind the scenes that no one even knows about. She gets things accomplished, and God, don’t we need more of that.

MAYOR REID HAMER-JACKSON: D

I really don’t know where to go regarding comments about the mayor. I think his term started off poorly and only got worse from there. It’s like people bought into his concerns about public safety and elected him. But as soon as the election was over, all these negative things started to happen. I think the mayor wanted to make big changes but council wanted to slow down. Soon, we had reports of anger during one-on-one meetings with individual councillors, staff complaints about harassment of staff, to the point where the chief administrative officer reportedly started spending at least part of his time working from home.

We could go on and on, codes of conduct being established, being challenged on points of order, lawsuits — shall I go on? When eight councillors are seemingly at odds with the man at the head of the table, that has to say something about teamwork and leadership. Right now, leadership seems non-existent, and to me, that falls right at the mayor’s desk.

So there you go, for better or worse. These are my thoughts, and I’ve tried to keep things out of the dirt. Obviously, as I’m not a councillor, and don’t hound people for all the stuff that’s behind the scenes, there are probably some details I’ve missed, but I’m sure you will let me know in no uncertain terms.

Sunday, we’ll talk about the mayor, our guardian angel and some final thoughts.

Until then, I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by Doug Collins

COLLINS: Kamloops councillors need to do better this year

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