Katie Neustaeter, the current director of communications for United Way British Columbia, is eyeing a spot on Kamloops City Council in this month’s civic election.
Neustaeter, who grew up in Kamloops, has a background in media and the charitable sector.
She has also volunteered for several organizations across the city including TRU Foundation events, wildfire response, the BC Winter Games, RibFest, the Kamloops and District SPCA, United Way, the Kamloops Alliance Church, the Youth Soccer Association and more.
This will be Neustaeter’s first run at municipal politics, however, she believes her experience with “complex financial oversight, track record with crisis management, proven organizational leadership, history of volunteerism, and deep roots in this community” will make her a great city councillor.
“No matter how much we treasure this place we love, we also have our challenges - many of which, like so many other communities right now, have been exacerbated and amplified by the events of the last few years,” states Neustaeter.
“To effectively address the most challenging issues facing our city we require bold leadership, inclusive collaboration, clear vision, and unwavering transparency,” she says.
Her top three priorities are affordability, accountability and advocacy.
She believes that the city needs to focus on drawing and retaining a new workforce while supporting “innovative and advantageous” development.
As for accountability, Neustaeter believes that the city needs to ensure that action is informed by community engagement, challenging community issues need comprehensive support and external partnerships are strengthened.
Finally, she believes that the city must amplify “the needs of local businesses, children and families, and health and safety.”
“No one will be more committed to this community than I am,” states Neustaeter.
“And I want to be, and believe I am, a representative of the people of Kamloops.”
Residents of Kamloops can learn more about Neustaeter, and all the other candidates, at the all candidates forum being hosted by the Chamber of Commerce in TRU's Grand Hall on Oct. 4 from 6:15 pm to 9 pm.
