Read More:
Election Questionnaire
Why did you decide to run in the 2010 Winnipeg election?
The short answer is that I'm running because I love this city. It gives me tremendous pride to call Winnipeg home, but I also believe that this city I care about so much has some deep-rooted challenges that I don't think we can ignore any longer. We need to start doing better at City Hall, and I'm running because I know that a stronger city is within reach if we get serious about facing our challenges head on. We can't fix everything overnight, but we can start tomorrow on a plan to make things better. That's true whether we're talking about beginning to reinvest in our infrastructure, whether we're talking about giving every kid the chance at a bright future and steering them away from crime, or whether we're talking about building a rapid-transit system or rejuvenating our downtown. With some new direction at City Hall we can really start to make things happen.
What experience will you bring to complement your role as mayor?
I've been proud to have spent my adult career working on behalf of Winnipeggers. It gave me immense pride to represent Winnipeg families as a member of parliament in Ottawa. I know from experience how much is possible when you're willing to leverage the privilege you have as an elected official to work in partnership with people in the community to get things done. I've served as a provincial cabinet minister and before that, worked with a number of community organizations here in the city. I've tried my best to make public service my life's work, and I'm running for mayor because I know in my heart that we could be doing so much more for Winnipeg families at City Hall with a different approach and an open door.
What are the major issues you would like to stand for and why did you choose these issues?
First, I think Winnipeggers deserve to know that City Hall is looking after their interests. I've made it a key commitment in this campaign to bring back transparency and openness at City Hall, and that means a number of things. First, it means we don't negotiate backroom sewage deals with foreign companies that would tie our hands for decades, and on a more immediate basis it means a mayor who's out in the community showing leadership, being engaged and listening to the concerns of Winnipeggers. I also believe we need to end the neglect of our crumbling infrastructure and start to reinvest. I've put a plan on the table to do that. I've been transparent with Winnipeggers about what it would cost: about $27 next year for the average household. Those additional monies would be tied directly to infrastructure, parks and public spaces and community safety. I'm also proud of the crime-reduction platform we've announced. Winnipeg has gone six years without a comprehensive crime plan, and that needs to change. We need more policing, but we also need a mayor who understands the need to invest in the things that cause crime in our community in the first place.
Is there anything in particular you would like to change in our city?
If I had to pick one thing it's this: I believe Winnipeg can and should be a place where people here can go to bed at night knowing that their city is a little bit stronger than the day before. When I think of my 21-year-old son Joe, I know that if he sees his city moving in the right direction and getting stronger day by day, then he'll stay here and enjoy a great quality of life. I want people in this city to know in their hearts that their city is on the right track, whether they're a young family, whether they're a senior citizen who has lived here their entire life, or whether they're new to our community. As Mayor, it will be my job to show Winnipeggers that we're on track and headed in the right direction, and it's a responsibility I take seriously.
Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?
I'm just incredibly grateful for the energy and enthusiasm I've seen from every corner of our city during this campaign. I feel very privileged to be a candidate in this election, but ultimately, this is not just about me. It's about people coming together to decide the future of their city, and it's about the belief that we truly can make Winnipeg stronger. I am amazed by the energy out there, whether it's people on our Facebook page sharing their ideas for a better city, or the ideas people have when I meet them on their doorstep. The people of this city know that a stronger city is within reach, and I'm grateful to everyone who casts a ballot in this election and has a stake in Winnipeg's future.