Kelowna Mayoral Candidate has Big Plans if Elected

Outlining a number of platform positions, Mark Thompson vows to take Kelowna from 'good' to 'great.' The mayoral candidate expressed a number of his initiatives that he hopes to implement if elected as mayor.

Photo Credit: Mark Thompson Contributed

“I for one don't want more of what we have been getting. We are experiencing a 40 per cent decline in the value of building permits issued. We are getting a 'C' grade from the Conference Board of Canada. Our population growth is reported to be negative. This isn't the great Kelowna I know we can be,” said Thompson.

Thompson summarized a number of his political platforms including the need to make business in Kelowna a priority, facilitating transparency within local government, support of local cultural and arts programs, the importance of attracting provincial investment, and providing continuous support for the tourism industry in Kelowna.

Thompson suggests that we should also consider the merit of transferring airport concerns to the airport authority as a way of cutting costs for the city and reducing liability.

“My experience is second to none,” said Thompson. The mayoral candidate has nine years of experience as a city Councillor in Saskatoon, he was Vice Chair for the City of Kelowna Planning Commission, and Thompson served as the President of the Okanagan Mission Residents' Association.

Part of his platform also advocates for a push to introduce new major employees to the city in order to provide jobs and increase our tax base. Companies need to be pursued to bring their business to Kelowna.

“We need to approach the likes of Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Apple, Blackberry, and other firms with products inexpensive to ship to the end user,” said Thompson. “I am not afriad of the troubled waters ahead. I am ready to take on the challenge of being the Mayor. I have the knowledge, skill and energy to take Kelowna from good to great.”