Episode 11 explains why Coun. Markus Chambers and his Police Board “don’t want to dwell” on why they stalled for 3 months before confirming the new chief of Police, Gene Bowers.
Part 1- In the run-up to launching the Season 6 Funding Drive, we review the reports and investigations that have proven the value of our unique approach to public affairs.
Whether it’s been Plan20-50, homeless encampments, transit safety, or scooping the broadcast media on the location of the NDP’s drug user site, we make a difference, and it’s all because of the support of our readers, listeners and sponsors.
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12.20 Part 2- In the last episode, we connected the explosion of crime around the city to the lack of a helmsman who could enact a plan to deal with it. A week later, deputy chief Gene Bowers was tapped to take over from the failed reign of Danny Smyth.
The Winnipeg Police Board had a choice- to hire someone from outside the police establishment to enact real change, or to hire an insider from Smyth’s inner circle.
But in finally announcing that Bowers was chosen, three month after his selection was leaked, the chair of the Police Board stumbled and Markus Chambers let the cat out of the bag.
“The information that was provided to the board, from our research, was inconclusive and we felt that we were in the right to move forward… Chambers later told the Free Press he misspoke and should have said the concerns were found to be “without merit.””
Where did the information come from?
We tell you, and explain why Bowers will have to overcome significant distrust to have even a hope of succeeding.
“I’m going to go to the community. I want to be out in the community,” Bowers said. Listen for a description of one current crime prevention initiative in the community that amounts to a ‘check-the-box’ PR exercise and fails to deliver value for dollar. Will Bowers continue that tactic, or will he fix it?
Also- While Bowers says his first priority is to tackle violent crime, which surely caused grief for the hug-a-thug members of the Police Board, we have an idea about an incident that precipitated his pledge.
37.10 Part 3– Marty reviews two of his recent Winnipeg Sun reports on affordable housing. Hear the background of how the situation at 675 Talbot got his attention, and that of Coun. Jason Schreyer. Low-rent Veterans housing seeks funding for upgrades
47.00 – Why the Winnipeg Affordability Advantage is going into the garbage, is the topic of the Sunday column in the Sun.
https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/columnists/gold-winnipegs-affordability-a-thing-of-the-past
TGCTS reviews the political fallout behind the proposed hikes in water and garbage fees, and the failure of city staff to properly explain who an “average” bill actually represents.
Then, we look towards the upcoming fourplex bylaw changes, and question why some of the city councilors we spoke with haven’t been told why there’s only ONE public open house scheduled for March 19, when there should be plenty.
It’s all part of a Plan20-50 model used to squelch public participation and to discourage taxpayers to be able to express their concerns and be heard, while pretending that the government cares about your quality of life. We will continue to speak up for you.
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