NDP candidate will push for performing-arts centre
The B.C. NDP candidate in Kamloops-South Thompson is making a show of support for a new performing-arts centre in the city.
Tom Friedman wants to see the provincial government pitch in funds for a new performing-arts centre in the Tournament Capital, along with the municipal and federal governments.
"I would certainly be — if I'm elected in May — I would certainly be a strong advocate at the provincial level for some help with financing," Friedman said.
Earlier this year, the city struck a committee to guide the construction of new cultural space.
A location for the centre has yet to be determined and no money has been allocated to the project.
The city is holding its first public input session on the project on Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Tournament Capital Centre, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Getting the ball rolling on a new performing-arts centre was high on Mayor Peter Milobar's list of priorities during the 2011 civic election.
Friedman said the city's two B.C. Liberal MLAs — Terry Lake and Kevin Krueger — should have joined the cause then.
"But, we didn't really see any action," Friedman said.
"I think it would've been appropriate for our two local MLAs to have at least advocated on the provincial level for this," he said.
"And I see no evidence of them having taken a real leadership role in that area."
Friedman believes an NDP government would "listen carefully and respond positively" to any local funding requests if the city moves ahead with building a performing-arts centre.
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