This is where cold hard facts give way to the hottest of takes, mostly mine I suppose. I’m the editor, Marshall Jones.

Want to include yours? Listen, this isn’t the comment section, this isn’t social media. Discussion and debate requires context and a wee bit of bravery — we need your name and where you’re writing from. Include it in your account or email me anytime.

What are you’re thoughts and feelings about Vernon mayoral race?

Last week I took a close look at the mayor’s race in Kelowna.

Before I make my way to Vernon to check in on the races there, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Not one, not two but three strong candidates for mayor — who is the favourite? The sitting mayor, the former mayor or the standout councillor?

Has Dawn Tucker finally done enough to earn your vote? Are you satisfied with how council has handled business or are some incumbents in trouble?

Give me your top issues in Vernon. Email me at mjones@infonews.ca.

Marshall Jones

Managing Editor

iN RESPONSE

Kamloops mayoral candidate proposes alternative to Hamer-Jackson’s treatment ranch

I love O’Reilly’s idea. However, we also need a court-ordered lock-up area for repeat violent offenders. They require long-term mandated care in an environment where they have hope of rehabilitation. The current “catch and release” system is a futile waste of money.

A ranch or farm setting with jail-like security around it, where addicts have access to 24-hour care, combined with an opportunity to be with peers at various levels of treatment; peers are an essential part of successful rehab.

Having the opportunity to participate in various areas of supervised manual labour, individual and group treatment, fun activities, and the consumption of healthy food is the path to building a feeling of belonging, self-worth and hope, which are vital to long-term recovery. (Many addicts have never experienced sitting down at a table for dinner, let alone with people who truly care about them.)

If done properly, with all required services, including the legal system, behind it, this approach to changing lives has shown great results in some European countries.

Yearly, millions of dollars fall through the many unfixable cracks in our current mental health system; those funds could be redirected & supplemented by Provincial grants, if required, after necessary costs are tallied.

But first we need intelligent, truly caring folks – both experienced in the field of mental health and addiction, former street addicts, political lawyers, and a few city officials to brainstorm with smart, compassionate folks from the community (Unfortunately, many people among us do not contain this quality).

It is possible to collaborate effectively when smart, open-minded, and solution-oriented people are involved.

— Karen Klein via email

iN RESPONSE to Friday’s newsletter opinion-editorial on the election campaign in Kelowna Centre

Hi Marshall,
Well interesting times in BC again. One thing is for sure politics in BC is never boring. I too am watching this race in Kelowna Centre, on the one hand we have an MLA who was elected strictly by brand name alone! Same as Armstrong but thankfully she is not running again! On the other hand we have a candidate with years of experience on city council, has worked and developed relationships with provincial and Federal ministries, who understands those relationships over time will benefit the community he has served and is looking to serve. Was it wrong for Eby to call a snap election? Yes absolutely! But here we are, the choices are simple for some “vote for a fence post if it gets rid of Eby” and for others it is “vote for the person that will best represent our community within government or sitting in opposition”
Based on the results of the last election it will be a close race, will Loewen continue as MLA? Will OneBC candidate dilute her support? Will Wooldridge have enough time to rally support? With the Greens who are not running a candidate rally beside the NDP candidate as they certain don’t align with BC Conservatives?
Good questions, I guess we will see come October 24!
Everyone please get out and vote it is a privilege and all of our responsibilities!

— Wayne Pierce via email

Secret Kamloops ‘voting bloc’ vets election candidates

I have asked this question numerous times on social media, “Name one controversy, conflict, lawsuit or discord that did NOT involve the present mayor.” I have yet to get an example. Despite the Hamer-Jackson albatross around their necks this council has done pretty well. I will be voting for every incumbent, O’Reilly for mayor and probably Chris Mitra as his replacement. I am fully supportive of all the Build Kamloops projects, and all the upgrades to our local parks and don’t mind paying for them. One weekend in Kelowna or Vancouver would be north of $500, far more than any tax increase needed to provide those same amenities right here in Kamloops. Make Kamloops Great Again!

— Ron Watt via email

It is easy to blame Reid H Jackson for problems in city hall. A lot of council are proposing ideas that Reid came up with at the beginning of his term. The entire council and staff together shunned him and now they espouse his ideas. No incumbents.

— Clint Price via email

Acton not dropping out of Lumby mayoral race so challenger isn’t acclaimed

Well this does seem something of a mess doesn’t it?

— William Mastop via iNFOnews.ca

I live in lumby. I followed the 2022 municipal election and I am closely watching this 2026 municipal election. While his 2022 campaign may have been considered uncoventional to most, Brad Weston has not been shy in putting himself out there in speaking facts.

He has clearly learn a lot in the past 4 years. He has a lot of folks talking about the direction our community is heading and is gaining a lot of support from our residents.

Kevin Acton has shown his true colors as he is ignoring the people of our community and not debating what Brad is revealing Acton and our council has done to this village. They are clearly serving themselves and misusing our tax dollars and I hope Weston exposes more of their hidden dealings.

— Jeff Bensin via iNFOnews.ca

Kevin is showing his true colors.

Kevin is on two ballots this month, and in his own words, one reason he’s staying in the mayor’s race is “kind of selfish”: he’d “love to still be the mayor” if the provincial race doesn’t go his way. That should have been the story.

Instead, it turns into a hit piece on the guy who dared to challenge him. Whether Kevin had a hand in it or not, it lands on him. He says he has nothing against Brad, then sits back and lets the article do the dirty work.

That’s not class. That’s politics as usual, and it’s exactly why so many of us are losing trust in Kevin.

— Jesse Macdonald via iNFOnews.ca

Secret Kamloops ‘voting bloc’ vets election candidates

Excellent! No doubt this organized group will help keep out the “hateful 8” from the horseshoe.

— Rick Hofman via iNFOnews.ca

Ban for BC teacher caught in creep catcher-style sting op on Grindr

Seems to me from the information provided, a permanent ban would make more sense.

— Bonnie Derry via iNFOnews.ca

Disclaimer: Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this page are solely those of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of the editor, iNFOnews.ca, iNFOTEL MULTIMEDIA, its partners, principals or advertisers.