There has been discussion about electing councilors in wards in Kamloops. This is to address a perceived inequity in the delivery of services throughout the city. I disagree with this approach and I do not believe in the premise of inequity. Council needs to focus on the entire city, not its component parts. Wards would do nothing but return us to pre-amalgamation days, a step backwards, for sure.
What could and should happen is to assign councilors elected at large to serve as liaisons to specific neighborhoods associations. This would give those associations a first point of contact at the council table and would give councilors a sharper focus on specific neighborhoods. This is successfully done by the School Board as they assign schools by zone to Trustees. Regular rotation is encouraged
Another way to improve efficiency at city hall would be to closer align the standing committees of council with the administrative responsibilities of directors. This would limit duplication and time loss by staff attending multiple committee meetings. Over time committee structure has drifted and the organization structure has changed. It is time for a re-alignment.
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