Council race getting crowded
The civic-election campaign is getting busy, as two more people have joined the race.
Bryce Eberle and retired Kamloops Fire Rescue assistant chief Andy Philpot have both announced they intend to seek a seat on council.
Eberle said he was inspired to run after taking part in the opposition to the Aboriginal Cogeneration Corporation’s plan to build a gasification plant in Kamloops.
The Kamloops native said his top priority, if elected, will be to try to attract festivals and events to turn up the fun level in the city.
“I love Kamloops and I want to represent the people, and I want to listen to the people whatever they have to say,” he said.
The 23-year-old Thompson Rivers University grad also weighed in on a pair of issues likely to dominate the election campaign — the Lorne Street parkade and the proposed Ajax mine south of Aberdeen.
Eberle said if the parkade is necessary, he doesn’t favour adding a third level in the future.
On the proposed mine, he believes the location so close to the city will be a major problem.
As for being likely one of the youngest candidates in the field, Eberle said what he lacks in experience will be compensated with his enthusiasm, passion and hard work.
Eberle is married and works as a certified energy advisor and building technologist.
Philpot, who retired earlier this year, could not be reached for comment by KTW press deadline.
Philpot’s distinguished career has brought with it a number of awards and recognitions.
He has received the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal, the Province of B.C. Long Service Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal and awards from St. John Ambulance and the City of Kamloops.
Last October, Philpot was named one of the top five firefighters in Canada by Readers Digest.
In June, former councillor Arjun Singh was the first non-incumbent to announce his intention to run for a council seat, followed by Ray Nyuli and Nelly Dever.
There will be at least two new faces on council with John O’Fee’s departure earlier this year to join the Tk’emlups Indian Band as CEO and Jim Harker’s decision to move to Vancouver Island later this year.
Of the remaining council members, John De Cicco has yet to confirm a re-election bid.
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