With plenty of flash and with a throng of the city's movers and shakers looking on, Kyle Sampson kicked off his bid to win a seat on city council.
"I'm dedicated to Prince George, I love my community and I feel I have the skills and I have what it takes to give back in the ultimate way, which is being on city council and leading our community in that sense," Sampson told a scrum of local media after giving a speech.
Backed by a large black and neon-green campaign sign, he spoke to about 150 people gathered beneath a glass covered atrium at Canada Games Plaza and made a point of greeting and shaking the hands of everyone there before getting behind the microphone.
In his speech, Sampson emphasized "people," "sustaintability" and community development" and avoided specifics on what he wants to do if elected.
"As we go ahead with the campaign, I think more and more will come out," he said in the scrum. "More and more community groups will come out and let their interests be known and what they're looking for and that's going to help shape what we do over the next four years if I'm elected."
Canadian Tire owner Selen Alpay introduced Sampson describing him as community minded, an avid volunteer and passionate about the city.
Other than for a two-year sojourn in Edmonton, Sampson has lived in Prince George since 2000. He is perhaps best known as a radio personality on The River, a concert promoter and a disk jockey at various community events but he now works as the northern B.C. manager for Pacific Western Brewing through which he is putting together the Cariboo Rocks the North music festival.
At 25 years old, Sampson will likely be the youngest person on council if elected.
"I think I can add to the demographics around the council table," he said. "If you're looking around it now, they're doing a great job but what we're missing now is maybe some younger representation, some people who can bring some additional insight to what's being said around the table."
Incumbents Susan Scott, Brian Skakun, Terri McConachie and Garth Frizzell all attended the launch with Scott and McConachie wearing Sampson campaign buttons. All of them applauded Sampson's decision to run.
Scott said Sampson has paid attention to the issues and is well connected on several levels. "A huge part of this is to know what people are thinking and feeling and to get the job done," Scott said.
All four said they will run in the coming election. Voting day is set for Oct. 20 and it will be for four-year terms.
Sampson said he thought about running in 2015 but felt it was important to gain more personal and professional development to make sure he brought the right skills to the table before stepping up.
"It's having your finger on the pulse of what's going on, being able to communicate with people, reaching out to different groups, businesses, organizations, stakeholders and what they need from the city and what the city needs to do to support them and I think I have what it takes to do that," he said.
