Something has to change downtown, according to Prince George city council candidate and downtown business owner Karm Manhas.
Manhas is the owner of Kaiten Mixed Martial Arts and said he and his fellow owners are dealing with crime, property damage and messes left by the city’s homeless and at-risk population on a daily basis.
“We just cannot go another four years like this,” Manhas said. “I’m located right behind St. Vincent du Paul. It’s right on my front doorstep. Being homeless doesn’t give you the right to do crime and do damage.”
Downtown business owners are spending thousands and thousands of dollars out of pocket to repair damage and increase their security to try to protect their businesses, he said.
“Cleaning up the poo – used condoms are bad – but feces, it’s bad,” Manhas said.
Taking on the social issues downtown will be a tricky issue, and will require a united team effort by city council, he said.
“There is always a solution,” Manhas said. “I’ve built my business on changing people’s lives and empowering people. I want to bring us back to a more positive culture.
In addition to taking on the issues downtown, increasing accountability and transparency is another top priority. People are losing faith in the democratic system he said, and he hopes he can be the the voice of the people.
“I’m going to be the critic,” he said.
The city can also play a role in improving local food security by working with area farmers to promote local food options, he added.
Manhas will be launching his campaign website in the coming days, for people to find out more about him and his platform.
