Arjun Singh announces run for mayor's chair, promises 'bold ideas' to come

Kamloops Coun. Arjun Singh says he will be running for mayor this fall.

Singh held a news conference outside city hall on Friday morning announcing his candidacy.

“I grew up in a very loving household with nothing really to want for and I've always felt a real desire and responsibility to give back to my to my community,” Singh said.

“So after 13 years on city council, today I'm announcing that I'm putting my name forth as a candidate for mayor of Kamloops in 2022 in the October election.”

He said he has enjoyed his time on council but feels he’s ready now to move on.

“I think it’s time in my life right now to take the next step,” he said.

Singh is serving his fourth term as councillor. He also sits on the board of directors for the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, serves on the board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and is a past president of the Union of BC Municipalities.

Singh’s announcement comes less than a week after Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian released a statement announcing he would not be seeking re-election.

So far, Ray Dhaliwal is the only other person to have publicly indicated an intention to run for mayor, though some other high profile names — Coun. Dieter Dudy and businessman Norm Daley — have been making the rounds.

Singh promised bold ideas would be be proposed during his campaign and said more information about his bold ideas would be announced in the days and months to come.