BY-ELECTION – McQuarrie enters race for mayor, proposes zero% tax hike
Mayoral candidate Bill McQuarrie.
The number of mayoral candidates in the Sept. 30 Kamloops by-election is back up to four with the announcement today (Aug. 15, 2017) that business owner Bill McQuarrie is entering the race.
McQuarrie, who also writes a column on civic issues for ArmchairMayor.ca and CFJC Today, joins former councilor Ken Christian, retiree Reo Rocheleau and paramedic Todd Mcleod in seeking the mayor’s chair. Dr. Cynthia Ross Friedman was forced by family illness to drop out last week.
McQuarrie called for “a new way of thinking at City Hall” that includes “a total change in the attitude that underlles our taxation and budget planning systems.”
He proposes a zero per cent increase in property taxes for 2018.
“It is time that we stop asking the taxpayer, both residential and business, to solve the spending problems of the city,” McQuarrie said in a press release.
“Like many taxpayers, I am frustrated with what has become the accepted norm of regular tax increases of 2.5 per cent every year.”
“If elected mayor, I will immediately abolish the concept of treating tax increases as an entitlement the City expects year after year.”
He blasted what he called “a lack of respect” for taxpayers and a failure to recognized them as stakeholders.
McQuarrie stressed that a zero-per-cent tax hike doesn’t have to mean reductions in service.
“What it really means is finding ways to put a greater emphasis on effectively managing expenditures. Please keep in mind, we are not the first city to do this and we don’t have to look any further than, Williams Lake or Nanaimo for examples. It’s not rocket science.”
He said the key is to focus on delivering quality services and programs while eliminating costs that don’t have a direct benefit to residents.
Nominations for the by-election open today (Aug. 15, 2017) and close Aug. 25.
ArmchairMayor.ca 
I did leave a reply, in total favour of McQuarrie running as Mayor however, frequently my comments do not get printed.
I’m all over a fresh face, new ideas and a freeze on taxes … but it is fair to keep in mind the benefit of promoting a sitting Councillor to the chair. There is the immediate benefit of a day to day working knowledge of the individuals on council and just as importantly the people and function of city staff and inner workings of our entrenched bureaucracy.
I don’t doubt Bill would be good at it, but perhaps a run for council would have been more prudent this year. Its not that far till our next regularly scheduled election anyway. The benefit of a dry run now, and a successful run next time? Jus’ thinkin’.
Bill will certainly be a better choice than Christian. There needs to be a serious change at city hall. Maybe Bill will conduct a purge of useless city employees who exist only to think up new ways to spend money.
Bill,
Thank you for stepping up, you have my full support.
I don’t know Bill personally, but his columns have always been well-considered and logical. If he can bring those traits to the council room, I think Kamloops would be lucky to have him. I’m happy to see him enter the race!
He has my vote,now that Cynthia has had to withdraw,we have great new choice
FANTASTIC! The best local news in a long time…even better when elected, of course.
“It is time that we stop asking the taxpayer, both residential and business, to solve the spending problems of the city”…“What it really means is finding ways to put a greater emphasis on effectively managing expenditures.” Exactly, absolutely!
I am so glad to see I am not alone seeing the obvious and not afraid of speaking out!
Agree, Pierre! Heck, anyone who remotely liked me will support Bill. And people who were afraid of my social leanings will love Bill, as he is very balanced. I wholeheartedly endorse him.