Winnipeg Election 2022

Baljeet Sharma - St. Vital

What got you into politics?

As we all know,  government policies and laws affect our daily lives some way or the other every day, I believe its duty of all of us to get in involved in decision making process and that is one of  the reasons, I forwarded my name.

 

City elections are way important than any other elections as, it has direct bearing on the lives of those who live in Winnipeg. We should  all make an endeavour to get involve and invite people from all segments of community to contribute in this political discourse.

If we cannot spare time to run for office at least we should cast our vote. It is sheer disappointment  that  only 54 per cent of voters cast their vote in the last elections 2018.

It is high time we should join hands together to work for our city, in whatever capacity we can contribute.

We are fortunate to have democratic right to elect our representative who can raise the issue that matter to us in city hall and we all must exercise it.

 

What experience will you bring to compliment your role as (Mayor / Councillor / School Trustee)?

 

In 2018 too I ran for City Council from St. Vital in 2018.

I contested Federal and Provincial elections in 2019 as an independent candidate from St. Vital riding.

During these elections, I had the opportunity to to meet our voters in area and learnt what the important issues they have. I am in constant touch with the people of this area.  They have several issue that they feel have not been addressed during last several years. Their voice has not be heard in City Hall..    They  NEED CHANGE NOW,  as stagnation only leads to only complacency and lethargy  which is detrimental to our city s progress and prosperity

They need who is more accessible  but not who is visible in election campaign only. They need his help during the entire term.

Since I live in St Vital for more than two decades, I am  not only aware of the important issues but in constant touch with voters of this ward.

Voter of this area   do  not need someone who is just there   to occupy a seat  for St. Vital  in city hall but someone who  work for them. 

 

 

What are some issues that you would like to stand for in your role as (Mayor / Councillor / School Trustee), and why are these issues important to you?

Reducing poverty, homelessness, crime and  public safety

Dignified, safe housing and reduction in taxes

Review  of photo radar 

Flashing strobe light on the camera vans school zones to warn the oncoming traffic which can save expensive traffic ticket and  ensure there is no   speed violation.

Stop  enforcement   on statutory holidays in school zones

.Discounted rate for ambulance for seniors , living meagre pension income.

Road safety is of paramount importance but should not seen as cash cow in garb of enforcement.

 Increase the timing of left and right turning   amber lights – as large number of  tickets are issued on St.Mary Rd and Bishop Grandin intersection. – especially in rush hour and Christmas time.

Timely snow removal  from side walks and back lanes. Given snow laden side walks seniors who use walkers  are stuck in their  homes.

Back lanes in some areas of St. Vital are in bad shape and need urgent repairs. 

Fixing pot holes – result in damage on vehicle for which neither MPI nor city is willing to own responsibility.

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

 

 

  How we can afford the luxury of  expensive  and fancy projects , when there are some who neither  have roof over head nor food on their table?

As winter is round the corner, we cannot afford to ignore the issue of homelessness. This has to be number one priority.

Homelessness, poverty and public safety should take precedence over expensive and fancy projects.

 

One  wonders  how our tuxedo clad elected representatives can sit on their cozy chairs and heated city hall   funded by   tax payers, while homeless people are spending their nights out side in -45 degrees in bus shelters. This is nothing but a cruel joke.

The problem homelessness  and poverty in city is staring at our   face, our elected representatives  need to move from  comfortable chambers and be seen doing  something on ground for the folks who have voted for them .   Its  time to stop selling  sweet talk and false promises.

 

If elected,  I will definitely work to address these issues and be accessible  when required to our voters.

 

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