Election Questionnaire
Why did you decide to run in the 2011 Winnipeg by-election?
I have always been interested in municipal politics. I like the idea of making a difference at the grassroots level as opposed to a top-down approach. I have chosen to pursue politics because I believe in the power of democracy. I believe I have the experience, education, and passion for the job. I grew up in St. Vital and I am now raising my family in St. Vital. It's a wonderful community with vibrant businesses and culture, and yet it is also rich with park land, cross-country ski trails, tobogganing runs, picnicking areas, and other green spaces from the Seine River to St. Vital Park and beyond. I'd like to play a part in preserving these aspects for the future of our children. People knew me as a hard-working, fiscally responsible, and innovative school trustee. But I was also sensitive to budgetary concerns and keeping costs down. If elected as city councillor, St. Vital constituents can expect the same work ethic they have seen from me as I have canvassed door-to-door. Constituents can also expect that I will use my passion for city politics to make St. Vital an even better place to live.
What experience will you bring to compliment your role as Councillor?
I have a bachelors degree in Public Administration, a Masters Degree in Industrial Relations, and a law degree. I also have elected experience as a school trustee in Brandon. I have worked as a civil servant and for over a decade as a lawyer. I have owned my own business and I know something about the challenges small business owners face. I also have extensive experience as a director managing the large provincial budgets of the Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba and Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba. Given my broad-based expertise, education, and experience, and the fact that I am a resident in the ward, I am able to understand issues from a number of different perspectives. As a school trustee I stood for a number of things. I was in favour of getting junk food out of schools. I also helped introduce educational pamphlets about cultural diversity. I got funding to increase speech language pathology services. As budget chair, a role which I relished, I was known as a fair and fiscally responsible leader. I'll use my expertise and experience to make constituent voices heard at city hall.
What are the major issues you would like to stand for and why did you choose these issues?
- Infrastructure. Crumbling roads, sidewalks, and back lane winter maintenance all need attention. We need to reduce St. Vital traffic, too, through a) red light synchronizing, b) lane expansion, and c) the introduction of a super express bus.
- Crime. St. Vital is a wonderful community; nevertheless there are some issues that need to be addressed. Having knocked on tens of thousands of doors in St. Vital, I hear that youth gangs are the main concern. We need to fund police budgets and youth crime prevention programs.
- Green space. In St. Vital we have it all. We have diversity, vibrant businesses, libraries, and green space. I'd like to ensure our spaces, such as the Canoe Club and around the Seine River remain green.
- Diversity. St. Vital is a cosmopolitan diverse ward and we should celebrate that. Studies show that diverse welcoming communities are healthy prosperous communities. If elected, I would strive to promote and support programs that highlight this important aspect of our ward.
- User fees. I've been going door-to-door since this campaign began. I'm hearing that people don't want user fees. If elected I would work hard for my constituents to oppose user fees.
Is there anything in particular you would like to change in our city? In your ward?
It's hard to imagine changing anything in a fantastic ward like St. Vital where I grew up, and I have chosen to live and raise my family. However, we need to address some major infrastructure problems like crumbling roads, back lanes with inadequate snow removal, and certainly rush-hour congestion on Dunkirk and St. Mary's Road. I've discussed infrastructure and of course crime as two of my major issues. As a former school trustee, appointed director on large provincial boards, St. Vital business owner, and St. Vital resident, I understand city politics and community needs from different balanced perspectives. As I have already mentioned, we need to increase the funding of police and crime prevention programs. The other thing we need to examine is the funding of our community centres. Community centres are the lifeblood of our youth. We need to invest in them and provide more opportunities for youth to get active in recreational programs, and involved in charitable community projects. St. Vital constituents can expect me to work hard for them. I will also be attentive to improving the quality of life of families, seniors, and all people in this ward and in the city more broadly.
Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?
I've mentioned repeatedly that I work hard. I am not running for City Council because I want to supplement my income. I have the experience, education, and expertise to do the job. I have been working full-time on this campaign for the last eight weeks. If elected I would be your full-time city councillor. Constituents can expect the same work that they have seen from me during this campaign. I have knocked on tens of thousands of doors and I have spoken with many people more than once. It's been fun to reconnect with former teachers, classmates, and even babysitters, who still live in the ward. And despite the rain and the snow, this has been a thoroughly rewarding and exciting process. I enjoy meeting people, hearing their concerns, and in a small way contributing to the community that I love. I hope on Saturday, November 26, you will consider voting for Brian Mayes, the fifth name on the ballot. I will work hard for my constituents, I will budget responsibly, I will listen, and I will be engaged because I live in St. Vital and I love this ward.