Pat c asks the City Councillor, Mayor Candidates

I would like to know what the mayor and councillors will do about the numerous potholes on kamloops roads - a recent article in Kamloops this week asked for the public to let city know where the potholes are located- please just drive from rosehill road up columbia street to summit and then summit on highway to rogers way- it is hard to miss them
Thank you

Gerald Watson Answered

Cost benefit analysis. Obviously pot holes can be fixed more or less quickly and there is a corresponding consequence to the budget. The question is what does it cost for the current speed of repair vs more or less rapid and does the change in service justify the cost.

Jayne Trent asks the City Councillor, Mayor Candidates

Are you for, against, or undecided about land application of biosolids? If you are undecided will do you plan on taking what ever advice city staff puts forward to council or will you be doing your own independent research?

Gerald Watson Answered

I am undecided. I will evaluate whatever advice is put forward by city staff and if I think the advice is not properly researched indicate to staff what I expect as appropriate research to validate the recommendation.

Ken Barry asks the City Councillor, Mayor Candidates

How do you feel about a two term limit for City Councilors?

Gerald Watson Answered

I think there is a shortage of quality people willing to take on the task of being a City Councilor. Term limits further limit the number of quality people available to take on the role and puts more power in the hands of administration (rookie councilors have less ability to push back because of their experience). I do think 4 years is too long. I would prefer to see a return to three year terms.

Darryl Schmidt asks the City Councillor, Mayor, School Trustee Candidates

If your campaign had a theme song, what would it be?

Gerald Watson Answered

Adriano Celentano - Prisencolinensinainciusol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VsmF9m_Nt8

Ken Barry asks the City Councillor, Mayor Candidates

How do you feel about a Ward System for Kamloops?

Gerald Watson Answered

I do not think Kamloops is big enough to justify the change.

Leslie asks the City Councillor, Mayor Candidates

What are your thoughts on accountability and transparency and Council decisions made behind closed doors?

Far too often it appears that decisions are taken 'in camera' because the Community Charter ALLOWS the topic to be taken behind closed doors, not because the discussion/decision HAS to be taken behind closed doors.
(The Community Charter is clear on which topics must be discussed in private and which may be discussed in private, leaving a lot of leeway for lack of transparency.)

Gerald Watson Answered

But for Land, Labour and Legal issues, council business should be conducted in public.

Dick Stewart asks the City Councillor, Mayor, School Trustee Candidates

What was their previous Job ? or employment ?

Gerald Watson Answered

I am a lawyer at Watson & Haines and have practiced in Kamloops since 1995. My practiced is mostly real estate, corporate work and estates.

Jennifer Davis asks the Mayor Candidates

Do you support starting curbside composting in Kamloops? If so would you expect citizens to reduce their need for garbage collection? Also what timeframe do you see curbside composting implemented in?

Gerald Watson Answered

I am in favour of curbside composting. Whether and when it might be implemented will come down to cost and any devil in the details that arise from preparing a plan.