Get to know Sunderman

Castanet Kamloops is running a series of candidate profiles in the run-up to the provincial election on Saturday, Oct. 19. Today, get to know BC Green Party candidate Randy Sunderman, who is running in the Kamloops Centre riding.

Randy Sunderman is tired of the status quo in B.C. politics.

That’s why the BC Green Party candidate decided to enter the race to be the MLA for Kamloops Centre.

“I just feel that we can be doing a lot better on a number of fronts," he said.

"Also, I'm very frustrated with the way our two status quo parties typically bring on policy and then revise it to such a point it goes in a completely different direction."

Sunderman, 62, is a longtime resident of Kamloops who works as an economist specializing in economic development, land use planning and impact assessments — work he’s been doing for 30 years. He said he has also worked at all levels of government and for major industry.

Sunderman has sat on myriad boards and committees, including the Kamloops Voters Society, Community Futures, Venture Kamloops, the City of Kamloops’ revitalization committee and the Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce’s municipal and provincial budget review committee. Currently, he serves as president of the Aberdeen Neighbourhood Association.

Sunderman said the BC Green Party will bring a science-based approach to government, and feels his experience in economic development through his business helps qualify him for provincial office.

“Certainly feel I bring some insights that no one else really has,” he said.

If elected, Sunderman said his priority issue will be health care.

“We have a large number of people in the city without a family doctor, and I think that has to be a priority," he said. "The Greens have some very favourable policy on that, so I'd be very happy to advocate for that in Victoria."

Sunderman said he sees health issues as being very connected to the street issues he wants to tackle if elected.

He has a lot of ideas.

“I also believe we really need to start looking at how we're using our land base with regard to forestry,” he said.

“It's just not reaching its full potential. We’ve come to the point where many communities no longer participate in the forest sector like they once did.”

Sunderman is married with two adult children. In his spare time, he enjoys camping, boating, hiking and all things outdoors.

He ran unsuccessfully for a seat on Kamloops city council in 2022.

To reach Sunderman on the campaign trail, email teamsunderman@bcgreens.ca. He can also be found on social media — Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.