BEPPLE – Previous political experience a prerequisite for running for mayor
IF YOU WANT to be mayor of Kamloops, you’d better already be a politician. Or that’s what one would think looking at the past. In 1986, John Dormer, a local [Continue]
City council
EDITORIAL – Councillors’ arguments against treatment centre were flimsy
An editorial by Mel Rothenburger. ONLY ONE VOTE separated the “concentration camp” proposal for the homeless from success this week when it came in front of Kamloops City [Continue]
EDITORIAL – There’s a bright spot in City council’s latest budget increase
An editorial by Mel Rothenburger. THE .93 PERCENT TAX INCREASE in this year’s City of Kamloops budget is being hailed as the lowest in at least 10 years. That’s actually [Continue]
EDITORIAL – Dallas public hearing issue shows need for some new rules
An editorial by Mel Rothenburger. TRANSPARENCY IS ONE OF the most important responsibilities of local government. The public must not only be able to watch the public [Continue]
McQUARRIE – Two years later, are our City councillors doers or wafflers?
TWO YEARS AGO, voters had the opportunity to elect who they thought would be best suited to represent them on City council. Decisions were made on who might be up for the [Continue]
EDITORIAL – Getting to zero will test City council’s mettle on budget
An editorial by Mel Rothenburger. WHAT’S THIS, TAX CUTS at City Hall? You heard it right. Kamloops City council voted Tuesday to keep next year’s budget increase as close [Continue]
EDITORIAL – Outdoor skating rink is a great idea, pandemic or not
An editorial by Mel Rothenburger. WHAT ON EARTH is the City thinking, spending almost $5.8 million on an outdoor skating rink, in these times of a struggling economy amid the [Continue]
EDITORIAL – Enviro report shows need for big shift in Kamloops thinking
An editorial by Mel Rothenburger. IMAGINE A CITY built for the environment, where people walk and cycle and drive around in electric vehicles and live in energy efficient [Continue]
BEPPLE – Boards need more diversity to reflect the many faces of Kamloops
PRIME MINISTER JUSTIN TRUDEAU stated this week that systemic racism will be eliminated from federal government institutions and agencies. The question is how? What I [Continue]
EDITORIAL – Council’s budget redo solves shortfall but offers little tax relief
An editorial by Mel Rothenburger. KAMLOOPS RESIDENTS won’t be getting the big tax cut many had likely been hoping for but, all things considered, City council has taken a [Continue]
ROTHENBURGER – When municipal politicians think they’re worth too much
HOW MUCH IS a municipal politician worth? A common answer among taxpayers is likely to be, less than they’re getting. It’s a serious question, though, and a [Continue]
ROTHENBURGER – Loosening reins on committee meetings a good step
An editorial by Mel Rothenburger. KAMLOOPS CITY COUNCIL took a tentative step toward greater transparency and engagement Tuesday (Jan. 21, 2020). At a committee of the whole [Continue]
ROTHENBURGER – Five important things Kamloops must get done in 2020
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS have never been much of a thing with me. I tend to make them as easy as possible in order to avoid failure. In 2020, for example, I will vow to pay [Continue]
EDITORIAL – Time to stop shifting city taxes onto shoulders of homeowners
An editorial by Mel Rothenburger. NOBODY WOULD DENY the importance of heavy industry to the economy of Kamloops but when it comes to taxes, who comes first — homeowners or [Continue]
ArmchairMayor.ca 