Sampson launches Prince George bid

“I’m running because Prince George has a tremendous amount of opportunity, right at the same time as we have a tremendous amount of challenges,” Sampson said. “And I think what we need next is decisive, bold leadership that can move Prince George forward.”

Sampson has served on city council for eight years after first being elected in 2018. During that time, he has been involved in a range of issues, including healthcare advocacy, public safety initiatives, financial accountability measures and efforts to improve customer service at City Hall.

Throughout the launch, Sampson repeatedly emphasized the importance of economic development. He said attracting investment and expanding the city’s economic base will be a central part of his campaign and a key factor in securing Prince George’s future.

“Economic development and really targeted growth for Prince George is the crux of this campaign,” he said.

Sampson pointed to the Prince George Airport and surrounding lands as one example of a major opportunity for future development, citing the region’s strategic location and transportation connections. However, he noted growth opportunities also extend to rail, road transportation and natural resource development.

Public safety is another cornerstone of the campaign.

Sampson said residents continue to express concerns about crime, public disorder, addiction and mental health challenges. He argued those issues require focused solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

He also highlighted affordability, housing and improving interactions between residents and local government as recurring topics raised in conversations with the community.

“I know where people’s frustrations are with the government, and I’m going to work on that and find solutions,” Sampson said.

While officially launching his platform, Sampson stressed that the campaign is still intended to evolve through ongoing conversations with residents, business owners and community organizations.

“I have a solid platform based on conversations I’ve been having with residents, business owners in our community, and I’ve been working on that for months,” he said.

The councillor said he hopes voters will engage with his ideas, challenge his platform and help shape the campaign over the coming weeks.

“I’m not asking people to vote blindly. I want to earn their vote,” Sampson said.

With roughly two months remaining before election day, Sampson says Thursday’s launch marks the beginning of a broader effort to connect with residents across Prince George and present what he describes as a vision for the city’s future built on both opportunity and action.

by Nick Dube

Sampson launches Prince George bid

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