Veteran politician Walt Cobb enters Williams Lake mayoral race

Despite his age, Cobb argues his decades of experience remain one of his greatest assets.

“Age is only a number,” he said. “With that age comes experience.”

Cobb says some of the community’s biggest challenges include visible crime, homelessness, addiction issues, and the continued struggles facing the forestry sector. He argues local leaders need to push harder for solutions, particularly when it comes to securing a stable timber supply and advocating for northern communities with the provincial government.

The former mayor also says municipalities are increasingly carrying costs and responsibilities that should fall to Victoria, particularly in health care, policing, and addiction services.

If elected, Cobb says he would work more closely with other northern mayors to pressure the province for action.

During the campaign, Cobb is also likely to face questions about a 2021 controversy involving a Facebook post he shared suggesting there was “another side” to the residential school experience. The post drew criticism from Indigenous leaders and community members. Cobb maintains the post was taken out of context and says it was never his intention to diminish the experiences of residential school survivors.

Cobb says the response since announcing his candidacy has been overwhelmingly positive and is encouraging residents to cast ballots in the upcoming election.

“If you don’t vote,” he said, “you don’t get a say.”

by Greg Fry

Veteran politician Walt Cobb enters Williams Lake mayoral race

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