As promised, here are some of my findings from the 100 conversations I had this summer with a very diverse group of Kamloopsians. Much of what I heard I am incorporating into my platform and candidacy moving forward.
City Council Candidate Arjun Singh Releases Findings From His 100 Conversations Project
For Immediate Release
Candidate for Kamloops City Council Arjun Singh is releasing today findings from his 100 Conversations project. Over the summer, Singh set out to meet with a diverse group of 100 Kamloopsians, from all walks of life, and ask these people five questions:
1) What do you value about Kamloops?
2) What could be even better?
3) What is your general perception of city council / city hall?
4) What are your top issues / concerns?
5) What are the attributes of a good city councillor / council?
By the end of the summer, Singh had spoken to business people, social service professionals, environmental activists, artists, educators, young people, senior citizens, health workers, and sport advocates. Here are the most interesting things he heard.
Almost half the people Singh spoke to value Kamloops as a community that is neither too big or to small. They felt that Kamloops has great amenities and yet has retained a community spirit with friendly people. A very similar proportion of people valued Kamloops geography and outdoor recreation opportunities. Additionally, many people valued that the community is well managed.
As many respondents feel that the community is well managed overall, there was more difficulty identifying ways to improve Kamloops. Top responses were that we need to attract more business and jobs, that we need to be more green, that we should be more open to new ideas, and that we should consider broadening our community focus from the “Tournament Capital” brand.
Perceptions on the current council were roughly split 50/50 between positive and negative comments. Many top of mind issues and concerns were raised including the Lorne St parkade and the Ajax mine proposal.”I heard about twice as often about the Ajax Mine than about the Lorne street parkade”, Singh stated, “I believe the concerns raised illustrate how valuable and important community feedback is to development proposals in the city.”
In response to the questions about the attributes of a good councillor or council, top of mind were looking at the needs of the whole community and not just of a select few, good listening, approachability, decisiveness, and strong involvement in the community beyond council duties.
“I make no claim that the 100 conversations are an authoritative representation of overall community feeling”, says Singh, ” but I worked hard to talk to a very wide range of people and I do feel that some incredibly important themes emerged. I intend to continue asking my fellow citizens these questions and other questions as a candidate and, if elected throughout my council term. I pledge to be a city councillor who listens, links the community, and promotes smart thinking.”
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For more information contact:
Arjun Singh,
Candidate for Kamloops City Council
(250) 377-1797
