Expect more new faces than incumbents on next Kamloops council

Another Kamloops city councillor announced he won't be running for re-election, leaving only three of eight aiming for another seat at the council table.

A fourth incumbent may land the seat as mayor in the 2022 municipal election, but there's three former councillors in the running.

Coun. Denis Walsh announced at the Aug. 30 council meeting he won't seek a council seat in the next election. 

"I've always said the role of a councillor shouldn't turn into a political career," he said at the meeting. "I think to me it's more of a community service position."

READ MORE: New political lobby groups calls on Kelowna politicians to stand up for principles

He's served three terms on city council so far.

"My reasons for not running are partly personal, partly political. This term has been challenging," Walsh said. "The new council will have to be very resilient and focused, but it's time for me to step aside."

Out of the nine elected positions at Kamloops city hall, there will be at least five new faces after voters head to the polls on Oct. 15.

Incumbents Mike O'Reilly, Bill Sarai and Dale Bass are expected to have their names on the October ballot.

READ MORE: Five candidates now in running to become next mayor of Kamloops

Since Mayor Ken Christian announced he won't seek re-election, current councillors Arjun Singh, Sadie Hunter and Dieter Dudy each announced they intend to run as the next mayor.

They are among at least two other hopefuls running to be the next mayor. Those are former councillor Ray Dhaliwal and newcomer Reid Hamer-Jackson.

Along with Christian and Walsh, councillor Kathy Sinclair won't be running in the next election, leaving room for at least five new people to be elected as the city's next mayor and council.

The B.C. municipal election nomination period began today, Aug. 30 and campaigns will run until voting day on Oct. 15.

The Kamloops city website lists mayor, council and school trustee nominees as their nomination papers are submitted. Just three people are listed as of Aug. 30, the first day of the nomination period. All three of them are running for a council seat.

READ MORE: Election nomination papers hot items in Kelowna

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