A mother of three, Jessica Wiebe has long connections to the Elmwood- East Kildonan ward and in Episode 40 she explains why she entered the election race: “Sometimes you’re called for a bigger purpose, and I feel like this is mine. I never thought this would be a direction I’d be going down.”
7.40 Part 2- Jessica Wiebe says a lot of Elmwood-East Kildonan voters “are just feeling ignored and left out, like our current leaders don’t care. There’s a lack of compassion and empathy towards everybody now.”
“Our residents need to know exactly where we’re spending tax dollars… I think there’s a lack of trust when it comes to certain people spending it.”
With crime and addictions a top-of-mind ballot issue and social disorder undermining Transit use, Wiebe suggests pro-active neighborhood care be provided through community hubs. She says the new routes and schedules – and bus stops being removed – have harmed seniors and users with disabilities. As councillor, she would fight for service restorations.
23.45- Wiebe cites her background in the addictions and mental health field to substantiate being “really concerned about the direction of Winnipeg and where it’s going.” Hear her comments about the NDP’s safe consumption site, encampments, and seeing “a village” near the Louise Bridge.
29.46 Part 3- Jessica Wiebe is an example of a motivated collection of younger candidates who are concerned about the quality of life the city will be able to provide families. A murder down the street from her was a catalyst to entering the world of politics.
“It’s not safe. A lot of families aren’t feeling safe anymore just being in their own homes and it’s a scary reality for many of us.”
Wiebe questions the motives of some officials steering public policy, and vows to “flush out the political opportunists.”
34.35- Ward residents tell her they make calls to 311 “and it doesn’t matter what they say, nothing gets done.”
Back lanes repeatedly flood with no repairs initiated by the City – “where is our money going?”
Infill housing “is popping up everywhere … and people are not happy about it.” Issues include crowding, loss of privacy, and construction fatigue.
In the campaign, Wiebe keeps hearing about “property thefts, property damage, people that are high, like zombies walking down the street, and there’s little kids that are around.”
Her goal: “A city that we’re all proud of.”
Her pitch to voters of Elmwood-East Kildonan:
“We need a powerful voice – someone who is not scared to make the tough decisions that need to be made, whether that goes against the grain or the narrative, and I’m the person that will do that.”
Find out more about her platform at https://www.jessicawiebeforek.com/
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Marty Gold in the Winnipeg Sun-Tribune:
Furby Street turns into “a dumping ground” as requests for infill housing ignored
