Some current councillors likely to run in fall election, several remain undecided

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With six months remaining until October’s municipal election, two current Kamloops city councillors say they are likely to run again while most others have yet to decide.

Coun. Dale Bass told Castanet Kamloops she plans to put her name forward for re-election.

“There’s still lots of things that need to be done,” Bass said.

She added with some vacancies expected on council — two seats are currently held by Arjun Singh and Dieter Dudy, who have both announced intentions to run for mayor — it’s important to have councillors with some experience.

Coun. Bill Sarai said he was “very keen” to put his name forward, but won't be making an official announcement for another few weeks.

Coun. Sadie Hunter said she is undecided at this time. Similarly, Coun. Kathy Sinclair and Coun. Denis Walsh said they would make an official announcement closer to the time of the election.

Walsh said while it was too early to give a decisive answer, he would be announcing his decision after the summer break, at the latest.

Castanet Kamloops reached out to Coun. Mike O’Reilly but did not receive a response in time for publication.

Other community members have voiced an intention to run for council.

Nancy Bepple, a former city councillor, Shantel Renner, co-owner of Alchemy Brewing Company, and Norris Laitinen, a manager for a contracting firm, have said they plan to put their names forward for election in the fall.

Mayor Ken Christian announced in February he will not be seeking re-election this year, with four individuals announcing their intention to run for mayor.

Alongside Singh and Dudy, business owners Ray Dhaliwal and Reid Hamer-Jackson have said they intend to seek the mayor’s chair.

The general local election is scheduled for Oct. 15.