One of Watt’s top priorities, working with Indian Band
It’s no surprise that Campbell Watt’s name is on the ballot for the Oct. 20 election. The only unknown was whether it would be for mayor or councillor.
“My daughter is seven years old and when I get home, there is limited time to see her on weekends and evenings and that’s the bulk of when a mayor does their job,” said Watt, a mortgage broker at Dominion Lending Centres. “If I’m fortunate enough to get re-elected (to council), maybe when she’s older in another four years I will consider it.”
A two-term (minus a brief time when he declared his candidacy) president of both the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Penticton Association, Watt was first elected to council in 2014, finishing second of 25 candidates.
“It was a tough two years, not because of a lot of issues but because of a few major issues,” Watt said in reference to the challenging start council received. “We had four brand new councillors — not that I’m suggesting new people aren’t good — and there were some growing pains, for sure.”
Watt’s voting record was pleasing to many. On the contentious Skaha Lake Park waterslide issue, he forced a special meeting and made a notice of motion to reconsider the proposal. He was defeated 6-1.
He also voted against three separate motions to provide mayor and council with dental and extended medical benefits. Once benefits were approved, Watt declined the package. (Through his work, he does not receive a benefit package.)
“I’m running for a second term because I’ve enjoyed my first term,” he said. “I believe I have a full understanding now of the impact council has and I’d like to continue being part of the process.”
Improving a working relationship with the Penticton Indian Band is what he considers — among others — to be the top priority in the next four years.