Retired contractor Mauro says dysfunction pushed him to enter race for city council Seeking a seat on council Joe Mauro, a retired contractor, is running for Kamloops city council. The journeyman carpenter told Castanet he recently moved back to the city after living for a time in the Lower Mainland and the Caribbean. He said he started following local politics and “wasn’t too impressed.” Ultimately, he said council discord compelled him to put his name forward for the upcoming election. “After talking to people, I
thought you know what, I’m a doer, I get things done. So I’m going to throw my name in the hat this year — and I’m going to try and make a difference, and try and bring some integrity back,” he said. Mauro said council members should be able to disagree and still respect each other. He would like to see thicker skin. When asked how he would handle discord around the council table, Mauro said he would respect the majority vote. “If I think
my ideas are good, I have to convince seven other people why, and I’ve got to do my homework. You’ve got to educate yourself on what you’re doing,” he said. Mauro said he’s in favour of the Kamloops Centre for the Arts, noting the project will have a “great impact to our city.” He said he is in favour of establishing more shelters, “a little bit further out of the city, but not too far out,” and wants to see progress made on homelessness. He
said he would advocate for seniors and accessibility improvements and would like to see the municipality offer a tax break or grants to help businesses put ramps in place or eliminate steps. “I think that we have to start maintaining our sidewalks, better ramps, more mobility too,” he said. Mauro said his experience as a contractor would be put to use asking questions about city projects, adding he’d like to see improved efficiency especially when planning out infrastructure upgrades that impact road and sidewalk use.
Others in the community have also expressed interest in running for a councillor seat in the upcoming municipal election, including Rob Bertrand, Cindy Sonne, Nevin Webster, and Doug Ronnquist. Kathrine Blair-Wunderlich, Dennis Giesbrecht and Randy Sunderman are also running for council under the recently-announced Pivot Kamloops slate. Incumbents Bill Sarai, Dale Bass and Nancy Bepple have also announced an intent to run again. Voters will cast their ballots on Oct. 17.
Kamloops city council election, Joe Mauro, Mauro, council discord, Pivot Kamloops slate, Kamloops Centre for the Arts, shelters, homelessness, seniors, accessibility, sidewalks, ramps, infrastructure upgrades, Oct. 17 election