By James Peters

Longtime mail carrier to seek Kamloops council seat

Jun 9, 2017 | 9:49 AM

KAMLOOPS — A second candidate has thrown his hat in the ring for one of the two council seats expected to be vacant for the fall Kamloops by-election.

Longtime Kamloops Canada Post carrier Bill Sarai made his candidacy announcement on 98.3 CIFM with Stan and Henry this morning.

He says he wants to represent the interests of average citizens.

“Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of concerns from my customers delivering mail and just on the street,” said Sarai. “I think the table at city council needs a voice of the people, and I want to be that voice. I think it’s been missing that for a number of years.”

“The average citizen in Kamloops has a lot of concerns, and when they bring them up, it doesn’t seem to get anything done.”

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An example of an issue Sarai believes needs more attention is proper snow-clearing.

He says council needs to recognize Kamloops is “a northern city.”

“It’s been an issue for a number of years – the safety of our citizens. The bus stops don’t get cleared, they get frozen over. The staff does a great job with what they have to work with. Maybe we need to get in there and increase their budget.”

“I’ve been serving the community since I moved here 22 years ago. I did social planning council for a term, I was on the executive board for Norbrock Soccer, which is now (Kamloops Youth Soccer Association). These are all volunteer positions, and I think the next chapter of my life is try to seek a seat at city council, and bring the voice of the average citizen.”

Sarai and former MLA Kevin Krueger are the only two people to declare their intentions to seek council seats so far.

There are three declared contenders for the soon-to-be vacant mayoral chair: Ken Christian, Cindy Ross Friedman and Reo Rocheleau.