Vote on October 17, 2026

Whether its data centers, use of AI, or a question of experienced vs non-experienced candidates, try not to get too hung up on those concerns.

While those may be valid and important concerns, it's important to remember that a single council member can't do anything on their own. That includes the mayor.

Let's look at the big picture and consider ALL the issues that concern you today, and those that will concern you over the next 4 years.

Try to evaluate each candidate based on their own merits and what that candidate brings to the table.

Kamloops Critic has attempted to address some of the distractions you may be faced with.

Does Kamloops Critic have a bias against the current councillors? To a degree, yes.

Kamloops Critic has a strong preference rather than an unfair leaning. That preference exists because Kamloops Critic has done its homework.

After countless hours digging into council agendas, meeting minutes, recordings, public statements, and other documents, it is difficult not to have come to a conclusion that is supported by the evidence available.

The current councillors decided to engage in their personal differences instead of giving their full attention to what is in the best interests of Kamloops residents and our community.

We can make excuses for them, but we can't ignore the fact that this was a choice they made.

With that in mind, Kamloops Critic recommends No Incumbent councillors. 

Does Kamloops Critic support the current mayor? To a degree, yes.

Again, Kamloops Critic has done its homework.

Critics can point to a split vote, but that seems to put the focus on whether or not Reid Hamer-Jackson (RHJ) should have been elected in the first place.

It might be a fairer statement to say that the people spoke, and the majority chose RHJ because of what he represented - change.

Kamloops Critic has observed an almost unbelievable council term where many accusations have been made against RHJ, but he has been denied the ability to reasonably defend himself.

He has broken several rules in his attempts to bring information to light, and has been punished for it accordingly.

But does that mean he needs to change, or does it suggest that maybe some of the rules need to change?

When it was simply RHJ vs O'Reilly, my vote would have gone to RHJ.

Now that there are other options available, that may change.

As Kamloops Critic, I have always been very clear in all my dealings with RHJ: I want what is best for the residents and this community.

When October 17 comes, like each of you, I will have to decide who I believe should be the next mayor.

Currently, I am undecided and need to gather more information, which I'll happily share with you.