A long campaign is now over, and the voters of Kamloops have spoken

Thank you again to all who supported me, who offered words
of encouragement, and cast their ballot for me

A long campaign is now over, and the voters of Kamloops have spoken.

Regardless of whether you supported me or not, I wish to thank, and congratulate, each and every person who took the time to go out and vote yesterday.  We managed a small increase in voter turn-out, and hopefully that trend will continue the next time we head to the polls.

Yesterday over 6,200 people chose to cast a ballot for me – I offer my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you.  My campaign was clear on the issues I felt were important to our city as a whole, and I appreciate that those things resonated with you.

I also hope that each and every resident of Kamloops can, whether through thought or a personal note, appreciate the efforts one young man took to rally a team of hard working volunteers to see voter turn-out in Kamloops increase. That young man is Will George, Campaign Coordinator, for the Kamloops Vote 50 Campaign.

To the men and women who ran in this election, and to the family members who supported you, THANK YOU being part of this important process!

Finally to Mayor Peter Milobar and our new councillors, no matter where you personally stand on issues you are passionate about, remember that you represent the entire interests of every resident of our city. Your course of action now, is to turn your strengths and passions, into a “Team” effort that will make our community an even better place to live.

Thank you again to all who supported me, who offered words of encouragement, and cast their ballot for me.

Sincerely,

Peter Sharp

We've talked municipal politics, Ajax / KGMH, taxes, jobs and business opportunities, affordable housing, and so much more

The 2014 Election Campaign for Kamloops City Council has been much different than any previous election campaign that I’ve been involved in.

For one thing, rather than a number of all-candidates forums, there were numerous “Candidate Mixers”.  This allowed me, and my fellow council candidates, the opportunity to walk around and mingle with the crowd, discuss municipal politics, what our platform was, and how we’d handle ourselves as elected councilors.  Some of these mixers were well attended and others, regrettably, not so!  In fact, at one event about 15 candidates show up, but sadly, there was not an audience in sight.

For the better part of six weeks each of the candidates, has been out on the campaign trail, asking you to support them with your vote.  I’ve enjoyed each and every day, and the opportunity they have provided for me to talk with hundreds of people about the election, your concerns, and what I stand for.

You’ve asked many questions on just about every topic or concern possible …

from city taxes to the AJAX Mine project … from pay for councillors to where I stand on legalizing pot … and affordable housing to parking meters downtown.

I’ve been interviewed by CHNL News, CBC Radio Kamloops, CFJC TV, Shaw Cable TV, Infotel, Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, the Kamloops Central BIA, and many others. 

It’s been an exciting campaign, which started off slow and built up speed as the days rolled by, culminating in a run of events from November 3^rd right up to this date.

During this campaign, for Kamloops City Council, I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people from young first-time voters to young parents, seniors and war veterans, professionals and trades people ... people trying to rebuild their lives ... people from all walks of life.  I also met up with old friends that I haven’t seen for a long time, sometimes years.

We've talked municipal politics, Ajax / KGMH, taxes, jobs and business opportunities, affordable housing, and so much more.  Whatever the people wanted to discuss, I made time for them. 

It’s been a great ride, and I admire all the candidates for putting themselves out there, in the hopes of winning a seat on Kamloops City Council … and most importantly, their families who have supported them.  This of course includes my wonderful wife Dyanne.

I began my campaign several weeks with the following statement:

"Kamloops is open for business, call the Mayor’s office at 250-828-****”.

I have to say that the Canadian Home Builders Association (Kamloops) forum tonight, was without a doubt the best of Kampaign2014. I would also like to thank them for sponsoring the forum, and giving all of my fellow candidates the opportunity to speak, and answer questions posed to us by their members.

I spoke without hesitation that we need the taxes and jobs that the AJAX Mine project will bring -- IF it passes the environmental review.

We need to stop training our youth, at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) for Trades jobs, and then see most of them leave Kamloops for good high paying positions they should be able to get right here. That’s not just my opinion; I’ve been hearing that over and over again since the start of this campaign.

The final week is here and everything we have all been doing to campaign comes down to this ...

Well today's post is not anything to do with me, but simply a reminder of the final events taking place during the final few days of the election campaign for Kamloops City Council.  The following information, has been provided by the Vote 50 Team.

The final week is here and everything we have all been doing to campaign comes down to this. Below are the remaining community election events. 

I would like to thank everyone for the memorable campaign, great communication, and eagerness to assist the Vote 50 Campaign as we aim for 50% voter turnout here in Kamloops. 

When you vote, please follow the steps below;

1) After you vote and leave the polling station, take a selfie with your 'I Voted' Sticker (provided by The City of Kamloops)

2) Tag the photo with the line “It’s Your Turn!” 

3) Then add #Kampaign2014 and @kamloopsvote50

4) Upload it on Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter

5) Don't forget to tag your family, friends and fellow businesses/clubs to remind them it's your turn to vote!  

If you have not already please support by financially contributing to Vote 50 as many of the candidates have, buying a T-shirt (min $20 donation), and sending your RSVP for the events. 

November 12^th --Election Event at TRU – All Candidate Meet and Greet

Details: An all candidates meet and greet on Student Street for students to get to know the candidates and get to familiar with voting information for tomorrow’s on campus vote! There will be passport cards which Enactus is creating where students walk around finding out about candidates platforms in order to enter into a draw.  We will also encourage candidates and Vote Ambassadors to walk around campus to talk to student, faculty and administration.

Coordinators: Kamloops Vote 50 Campaign and Enactus. All TRU Vote 50 supporting groups will be given an invitation to attend, have a table, and encourage students to get out to vote! 

Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location: TRU, Old Main Student Street

Election Event at TRU - Footprints

Details: Right after the all candidate meet and greet, we will be painting footprints from all buildings to the Independent Center in preparation for the advanced poll. 

Coordinators: Kamloops Vote 50 Campaign and All TRU Supporting groups

Time: 2:00 – 5:00 PM

Location: TRU, Front of Old Main

Many of the difficulties (or issues) faced by families, can often be traced to a lack of dignity in not having a fulfilling and rewarding job – AND -- one which they can have enough for the necessities of life

Recently KamloopsParents.com asked each candidate, running in the upcoming November 15th Kamloops municipal election, three important questions.  The one that stood out the most for me was, “What are the biggest issues affecting families and youth in Kamloops?”

There are all kinds of possible answers to the question. That said, I believe

many of the difficulties (or issues) faced by families, can often be traced to a lack of dignity in not having a fulfilling and rewarding job – AND -- one which they can have enough for the necessities of life.  To that end, here is my answer.

I believe government must operate with the highest standards of integrity, and serve and respect all individuals.

We have a bright future, with nearly everything in place to expand and grow; now we need new / expanded businesses, paying decent wages, so that individuals and families can set down roots.  That I believe is one of the single biggest issues facing families, and youth in Kamloops today.