Winnipeg Election 2022

Tim Diack - St. James

What got you into politics?

I got into politics because my job as a police officer forced me to see government failure every day. I see the the growth of indifference to the important values of a good society. I am not naive to know that effective leadership can stop indifference. When our leader’s indifference to crime, poverty, addiction, and disrepair cause our chief of police to pronounce “this is nothing new”, I took that as a red flag that indifference had defeated our leadership.  I wasn’t alone and as if horrific crimes against the innocent were not the alarm for Winnipeg to take action, it was the indifference revealed by the chiefs response.

A long time ago a Boy Scout leader told our troop that the essence of a good scout is “leave it better than how you found it” If I retire from my job as a police officer I will not do so in good faith. My years of experience has proven to me that a motivated group of people can solve what others have given up on. I know that we have the right people to form these motivated groups to solve these problems. I want these problems solved.

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

While going to the University of Manitoba I worked union jobs in hotels and construction. In 1988 I took an oath to serve the people of Winnipeg when I became a police officer. I re-attended university while I was working three rotating shifts. I also started a business thirty years ago that still operates today on Portage Ave. I was asked to sit on the St James Biz and sat with fellow business owners collaborating on beautifying St James. My business built teams, developed confidence and helped educate customers.  I have three kids who are now adults. I’m married to an educator in the Winnipeg School Division.

I have also had far too much experience with victims of violence and the perpetrators. I am not unique in developing good communication with these perpetrators and getting their reasons for their failures. Addiction, poverty and low self esteem are common themes. Frequently politicians repeat reckless comments and theories during elections to get votes. I won’t and my answers to the root cause of crime are learned from my experience. The one a municipal government can best address is truancy. If a child fails we all do.

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?

Learn our hard lessons by proxy. Afghanistan teaches the world that without security you have nothing. Our crime rate will drown out every other initiatives and marketing scheme. To correct this requires transparency and honest metrics;

kids in school

crimes against innocent victims

recidivism

police efficiency

morale

transparency

accountability

customer service and satisfaction

 

 

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

I do not claim to be smarter than anyone else running, I see a lot of commonality in everyone who runs and I respect them for stepping up. My difference from all other candidates is that my current job forces me to deal with our failures every day. I no longer just catch criminals doing crimes, I help people with their addictions, their mental health, their parenting and their victims. I haven’t lost hope and my faith is strengthened when I meet with people in St James. We can regain our confidence in our city when we repair what is broken and start to feel safe again.

I am committed to our community. I took an oath thirty-four years ago that I took seriously and adhere to today. I want to help fix our broken city.