In a crowded field of seven hopefuls, Zekharia Selahadin is hoping his simple grassroots approach will generate support on October 25th from voters in Elmwood- East Kildonan.
Part 1- He moved to Canada from Ethiopia as a child and grew up in Elmwood, and has worked in childcare and with the Green Team. In Episode 49, Selahadin discusses the top issues he’s hearing about at the doorstep- including crime and road and sidewalk conditions. He’s joined the call for a replacement of the Louise Bridge.
The new and far-from-improved Transit system also comes up, as “I’ve seen many individuals waiting for a bus and it’s full and people are squished inside it. I’ve seen the frustration first-hand.” It’s affected his own family members getting to and from work at night and he worries about their safety, especially with the longer walks now required. Marty Gold asks him if the management of Winnipeg Transit needs to be hauled on the carpet.
25.45 Part 2- Selahadin agrees “it’s important to have a car” in Winnipeg but wants residential speed limits reduced to 30k and more bike lanes.
37.25- Crime and disorder from homeless encampments are impacting the ward. Selahadin says that while “police are trying their best” supports for those who want to get housed need to be maintained.
He’s not sure if a centralized encampment area, like at the Legislature, would work because “a fight club” could result between rival factions placed in close proximity to each other.
The interview wraps up with his ideas to resolve food insecurity in the ward -For more information about his campaign, go to his website https://www.zekariaselahadin.ca
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The first “supportive housing” location for homeless campers was opened under the NDP’s Your Way Home plan this summer in the West End without consulting the area residents. The results have been a disaster- read Marty Gold’s exclusive report:
Supportive housing site inflicts chaos, conflict on Furby Street
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