Mayoral candidate itching to return to politics

VERNON – A 74-year-old Vernon man who has already worn many hats is now throwing his in for mayor.

Klaus Tribes, a former City of Vernon councillor for 18 years, is running for mayor in the upcoming municipal election.

“I want to get back at it,” he says. “I was retired and I didn’t like it. I want to look after the city 120 per cent.”

Following an unsuccessful bid for mayor in 2002, Klaus took a break from politics. After retiring from a 39 year career running a restaurant in Vernon, he got bored quickly and took a job as a breakfast ambassador at the Fairfield Inn. Now, he’s itching to get back into politics.

“I love this city and I want to give back again to it,” he says. “Some people will complain and some will want to do something about it. I’m the latter.”

Before moving to Vernon 40 years ago, Klaus was a police officer in Edmonton. He says he’s kept in shape all his life and isn’t going to let his age hold him back.

“I'm not the ordinary 70-year-old,” he says.

Expect to see him going door to door this summer introducing himself and outlining what his priorities would be as mayor. Key points on his agenda are building a trade and convention centre for Vernon, getting a new ice sheet to build on sporting opportunities, and encouraging development.

“My attitude toward development would be we’re open for business,” he says. 

He chose to run for mayor rather than councillor because one, he’s already done that for 18 years and two, he thinks it’s where he can make the biggest impact. His campaign strategy won’t involve criticizing the current council.

“I’ve never criticized others, I simply tell people what I believe in and let them draw their own conclusions,” he says.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.