TRU Professor confirms Kamloops mayoral aspirations

Jun 1, 2017 | 10:00 AM

KAMLOOPS — A political neophyte is confirming her intention to run for the Kamloops mayor’s chair in the upcoming by-election.

Cindy Ross Friedman is a biology professor at Thompson Rivers University.

She says her involvement behind the scenes in the recent provincial campaign convinced her to put her name forward.

“There are a lot of problems. Especially when I was door-knocking and canvasing for Barb Nederpel in the North Shore I just saw such incredible poverty. You walk down those streets, there is no sidewalks, so it just really made me think this is something I have to give a shot to,” said Ross Friedman.

Ross Friedman says she is decisive, blunt and collaborative, and would bring a different energy to the council table.

“I just don’t think that the council has been decisive enough, that’s the only thing. There is a lot of talking, there is a lot of discussion — which is important, important to consult and it is important engage in discussion, but it has to go somewhere and decisions have to be made.”

“I get things done. I always follow through with things. I’m very collaborative. I love people, I love listening to people, I love disagreeing with people — I even enjoy that. As long as it is not personal and we kind of all come to an agreement. It’s also healthy, and I think I can bring that.”

She adds she is a staunch opponent of the proposed KGHM-Ajax mine.

Ross Friedman’s husband Tom ran twice for the provincial NDP in Kamloops-South Thompson, in 2009 and 2013.

She becomes the second person to declare intentions for the mayor’s chair, after Councillor Ken Christian.