Hamer-Jackson (image credit- CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

REMAINING IN OFFICE

Defiant Reid Hamer-Jackson says he’s staying put as mayor of Kamloops

Jul 15, 2024 | 11:56 AM

KAMLOOPS — A Monday (July 15) morning press conference was called by Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson under the pretense of resignation consideration.

Since being elected in October of 2022, Hamer-Jackson has found himself at odds with the eight members of city council, leading to, in one case, an ongoing defamation lawsuit against Councillor Katie Neustaeter and prolonged dysfunction around the horseshoe. But, the embattled mayor says he won’t being stepping aside anytime soon.

“I have decided that I must stay on as mayor and run (for) another (term),” announced Hamer-Jackson to a loud cheer from supporters.

Despite becoming a magnet for criticism and controversy, Hamer-Jackson says he never truly considered resigning his post as the leader of council.

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“I guess I never really considered it, you know, and with the support of the emails and texts and all that stuff that I’ve gotten, it’s been really good,” added Hamer-Jackson.

He pledged safety, accountability and prosperity will remain his focus.

In front of dozens of his supporters, Hamer-Jackson also announced that he will be running for re-election come the 2026 municipal election and hopes that several like-minded Kamloops residents will join him on the ballot to effect change.

“Some of the respected citizens of the community who have the same goals as I do — a safer, vibrant community and accountability — have expressed interest in running for council in the next municipal election if I seek another term as mayor,” said Hamer-Jackson.

Also in Hamer-Jackson’s crosshairs was the upcoming alternative approval process on the Build Kamloops Plan. The mayor voted to approve it last month, but now says he believes a full-scale referendum is needed. He also sent a non-descript warning shot at unnamed individuals.

“I’ve been handcuffed since Day One. And I think a lot of people, you know — there might be a lot of people who might want to look at, people who have been maybe breaching their fiduciary duty, or people who have been doing things that are unethical, things like that,” said Hamer-Jackson. “And I’m not accusing anybody of anything but they might want to look at early retirement or resignation.”

During his statement, Hamer-Jackson also stated that he had been physically assaulted in June, but did not elaborate, only saying there is an open police file.

Kamloops’ Deputy Mayor Nancy Bepple told CFJC News it’s business as usual at city hall after the mayor’s announcement.

“Council 100 per cent, including the mayor, agreed on our strategic plan at the beginning of our term and a big part of that is Build Kamloops. Which we are focused on delivering some new recreation facilities, a cultural centre, so that hasn’t changed one bit.” said Bepple.

With the mayor remaining in his post, he will be chairing Tuesday’s regular meeting of council at 9:30 a.m.