It may be Carl DeSantis’ last day on the job, but he is certainly going out with a fight. Friday, December 10 is his final day as Executive Director of the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association and he looks back on his four year tenure with a mostly positive viewpoint. However, he says there has been a real lack of action when it comes to safety in the downtown.
“In hindsight, first I would like to say I am extremely proud of the achievements we have been able to accomplish. I am proud of my team, but there are some things. One of the big misunderstandings is that people think I work for the city. That the KCBIA works for the city. We don’t. The KCBIA’s role includes advocating on behalf of downtown businesses.”
“Also there is a distinction between the city and city council. The KCBIA enjoys a respectful and positive relationship with the mayor and councillors. We have had a fantastic relationship with them.. Generally the relationship with the city is also extremely productive and positive. Unfortunately, that is not without exception.”
While speaking on the NL Morning News, DeSantis fired some shots at a a pair of department heads. “Everyone should strive to achieve excellence and this is particularly true when your function is to provide community and protective services. That area of the city alone is responsible for leading and introducing initiatives that effectively address safety and social challenges that negatively effect the community. [Byron] McCorkell (Director Community and Protective Services) and [Tammy] Blundell (Community Services Manager) while I am leaving downtown the issues are not.”
“These issues remain significant priorities for downtown. Both for the business community and our board of directors. We have proposed logical and achievable solutions. We’ve recommended changes. We’ve identified funding opportunities for municipal governments that would provide financial support to address safety issues. However, we have seen little advancement in any of those areas.”
DeSantis went on to say that some committee meetings have been cancelled by Community and Protective Services and questioned if there truly is a commitment to community safety. “All other areas of the city seem to be firing on all cylinders, so it makes us wonder what is going on with Community and Protective Services? I frequently get asked this question. Our businesses get asked this question. People downtown ask us this question. The KCBIA does not have the authority that the Community and Protective Services team has, but rest assured if I did Kamloops would see significant improvement when responding to matters of public safety.”
DeSantis encouraged anyone who feels the same as he does to reach out to council by email and let them know how you feel. “I love our downtown. I admire our businesses and our business community. I am frustrated for them. If you feel the same way, I encourage you to provide feedback to our city council. They have a job interview next year. It is called an election.”
