Amy Klassen announced she would run for a Vernon City Council seat in the fall municipal election (Image Credit: Submitted photo)

By Liam Verster

Election 2026

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A constituency advisor for the local MLA will look to make a name for herself in local politics.

Amy Klassen announced she will run for a seat on Vernon City Council in the fall municipal election.

Klassen has lived in Vernon for nearly two decades and said, if elected, she would turn her attention on affordability, thoughtful growth, supporting the local economy, and ensuring citizens are heard and represented in the council chambers.

“Vernon is a wonderful place to live, but life here is becoming increasingly expensive for many of us” Klassen said.

“People are working hard and doing their best, but housing, groceries, utilities and everyday expenses are taking a toll on household budgets.”

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Klassen said the city does not control the prices of groceries or interest rates, but does make decisions about housing, development, infrastructure, taxes, and fees and services. She said decisions involving those topics should reflect the diversity of people who call Vernon home.

“Vernon is made up of homeowners and renters, seniors and young people, families, workers and business owners,” the candidate stated.

“We experience the city differently. Council makes better decisions when those different experiences are represented, heard and considered.”

Klassen added she would bring to the table a perspective of a working person, a renter, and someone living in a multigenerational household.

“I don’t expect everyone on council to have my perspective, and I don’t think they should,” she said.

“When council makes a decision that adds another $20 or $50 to someone’s monthly costs, I understand what that can mean in a household budget. Renters may not receive a property tax bill directly, but we aren’t insulated from rising costs either.”

Along with working as a constituency advisory, Klassen serves on the board of her local Metis society. She also holds a Business Administration diploma, has studied accounting, and has worked in agriculture, hospitality, management, and for non-profits and small businesses.

“I’ve worked outdoors and behind a desk, managed budgets and people, and worked directly with people trying to navigate government systems,” Klassen said.

“My work in government has also given me a close-up view of where systems work well, where gaps exist, and how important it is for different levels of government to work together. Those experiences have taught me that decisions that look small on paper can have a very real impact on people’s lives.”

Votes will be cast for the local general election Oct. 17.

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by Liam Verster

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