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Prince George election 2018: Kyle Sampson wants to take Prince George to the next level

Voters head to the polls Oct. 20
KyleSampson
Kyle Sampson. (via Submitted)

On Oct. 20, Prince George residents will pick one mayor, eight councillors and five school trustees. The ballot will have two mayoral candidates, 13 councillor candidates and 11 school trustee candidates. There are also 15 candidates running in the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George.

PrinceGeorgeMatters has sent out a list of questions to those vying for a seat in public office.

Name: Kyle Sampson

Running for: City councillor

Age: 25

Number of years lived in Prince George: I moved to Prince George in 2002, but moved back to Edmonton for a short time in 2011 before moving back in early 2013.

Current neighbourhood: Charella

Occupation: Manager of Northern B.C. – Pacific Western Brewing Company

Reason community would recognize your name:

I am a long time, and active resident in Prince George. I began my career over a decade ago in broadcasting, where I worked for the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group in Prince George. Since then, I now work for Pacific Western Brewing, and volunteer my time in our community with a number of charities, non-for-profits, events, and organizations. I spend my time out and about in our community enjoying all it has to offer.

What is the most important issue facing Prince George, and how do you propose to deal with it?

I believe one the most important issues facing Prince George is that we need to create a strong strategic plan on how we can grow our city to the next level while maintaining a competitive and fair tax regime. It is really important that we look ahead to the future of our city and how we can attract people here and grow our industry base, without losing sight of now. We need to remain accountable to the taxpayers of Prince George, maintaining our current infrastructure, and fulfilling the changing needs of our citizens. I believe to achieve this, we need a council who is prepared to work with and listen to the community to hear what is needed from our current population, and is capable to do the work in attracting the necessary business, investments, industry, and lifestyle options to widen our demographics, and attract people to relocate to Prince George.

How should Prince George address the issue of crime in the city?

We need to put stock into the feedback we receive from the RCMP and bylaw services, and act on their recommendations. Listening to the community, and finding solutions to the issues we hear about. We need to be proactive, not reactive in how we face crime in our city. It is important to react quickly when needed, but we should be working with the top brass within the RCMP in PG to create a preventative policing program to stay ahead of the crime trends in our city.

What is your specific reason for running?

People. Sustainability. Community Development. I believe a city council should reflect the entire makeup of a community, and I have the interest, passion and skills to be a strong voice around our council table. I am a young professional who is dedicated to making Prince George the best place to call home, and I am committed to focusing on the People of PG and their changing needs, as well as the future growth, development and Sustainability of our community. I plan on Prince George being my home for many years to come, and I am dedicated to our community’s development.

Where can the city spend less?

There is not one specific area. We need to look at our overall budget inefficiencies to maintain a fair and competitive tax regime. The solution isn’t to continually raise our taxes.

Where should the city be investing more?

We should be investing in our People. Our citizens have changing needs that need to continue to be met. We need to focus on fulfilling things such as, housing, recreation, resources and lifestyle options that people of our varying demographics need. We can continue to do better by our vulnerable population, our seniors, our young people, and our entire population who all have different and varying needs and wants. When we invest in the people who already call Prince George home, others will be attracted to share in the same great lifestyle that is already offered.

What new business or feature would you like to see in Prince George?

A wider range of options for people looking for indoor entertainment.

Next time you’re walking in the woods and you come face-to-face with a Sasquatch, what do you do?

I would encourage the Sasquatch to get to the polls on Oct. 20 to have his voice heard.

If the next city council does something film-worthy, who would play you in the film?

Christopher Walken

Complete the sentence...

When I’m not at home or at work, you can find me:...around town enjoying all the different businesses, events, and activities that are in our city!

The most random, yet interesting fact about me is: I won "Best Dance" at Boogie with the Stars in 2016 (and plan to again this New Year's Eve).

My favourite beverage is: Lemonade

For Christmas/Hanukkah/the gift-giving season, I would like:...to spend it with family.

The best park in/near to Prince George is: Cottonwood Island Park

If Prince George didn’t exist, I’d be living in:... a major centre.

When I need some pump-up music, I listen to: My “SAMPSON JAMS 2018” playlist. It’s eclectic, and it includes classic rock, hair metal, disco, ‘80s hits, the odd ‘90s tune, and tracks from my favourite musicals.