Sharp running for city-council seat
He came ever-so-close in the last civic election.
Now, a former city councillor is hoping a third time is his charm for a seat at the table.
Peter Sharp has decided to run for city council, joining a handful of other names seeking a political job.
The long-time Kamloops resident said if elected, his focus will be on creating jobs and maintaining the infrastructure so residents don’t have to be concerned about quality of life in the community.
“I think people live here because of the quality of life,” Sharp said.
“Kamloops is my home by choice. I just want to continue to keep the city where families can grow and prosper.”
Sharp was a city councillor for six years, but lost his spot in 2005.
In that election, he finished out of the top eight by 200 votes.
He ran again in 2008, but suffered a similar fate, missing the cut by just 80 votes.
He said he has a following that supports him, which he’ll be counting on to make a breakthrough.
Sharp weighed in on a couple of issues likely to dominate the upcoming election campaign — the Lorne Street parkade and the proposed Ajax mine south of Aberdeen.
He said he wasn’t privy to all the information that led to the parkade decision, since he wasn’t on council, but he sees no problem with a referendum if the counter-petition succeeds.
As for the mine, he said it’s important to wait for the environmental assessment to be complete before taking a stand.
Sharp suggested the mine could benefit Kamloops by creating jobs, but then added he wouldn’t support the project if it’s deemed to have a major environmental impact.
Six candidates — Arjun Singh, Ray Nyuli, Nelly Dever, Bryce Eberle, Andy Philpot and Donovan Cavers — have announced their intention to challenge the incumbents.
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.
He’s expected to make an announcement this week.
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