SINGH – The City council cleanup in Aisle 6!

Despite the dysfunction, as I’ve shared here previously, I strongly feel this council has made some big moves, especially with the approval of the performing arts centre and a new multi rink recreation centre. These projects and, perhaps especially, the ways these projects were approved (without referendum) have certainly been controversial – but it’s hard to argue that this council has done nothing.

Absolutely, things would have been much better without the chaos and dysfunction  – and over a half million dollars in council code of conduct investigations. I shudder to think of what more could have been accomplished if our Mayor and Council worked together better. Bring in lower tax increases? Help decrease homelessness?

City councils in Kamloops have long been considered high performing, collaborative, and respectful and it would be wonderful to get back to that type of council. How could we get back to that?

A lot of people tell me they worry that some of the more “passionate” local social media groups, which seem to thrive in extremes and in conflict, are representative of the community. My experience in our community tells me that is not true. Kamloopsians, over our long history as a community, have been thoughtful and wise in electing our city council members and most of us want to see a better functioning group after the civic election. So, firstly and foundationally, we have to believe in our collective ability to get the cleanup started.. We got this.

Secondly, we need to vote and vote thoughtfully. 30% voter turnout is not going to cut it folks. Local elections are more challenging to figure out with more candidates, more positions, and less “brand” recognition. You will never make a perfect decision but you can make a good one on who deserves support. And if you want to see better for Kamloops, your vote matters. We have amazing local media in Kamloops who will provide a lot of credible information for you. Don’t vote based on hearsay. We will help you make an informed vote.

Most of you who are reading this, I know, are engaged and always vote. Encourage your friends and family. The people who are putting themselves out as candidates deserve respectful consideration.

All orders of government could function better, could work better with the general public, could meet the moment of these turbulent times more effectively. Local government is no exception. A lot of new council candidates are making this case. But to clean up by getting rid of the whole council would be a mistake. So, thirdly, we need a mix of old and new working together to retain what is working and change what is not working.

Elections do not have to be ugly and toxic. They can be engaging and rejuvenating and get our community on a better track.

Arjun Singh is a former Kamloops City councillor and is currently the executive director of the Kamloops Local News Society, which publishes the Kamloops Chronicle. This column also appears in the August edition of the Chronicle. He can be contacted at info@kamloopschronicle.com.