In Episode 36 you’ll hear an analysis of the early maneuvers in the Mayoral race, a look at some Council candidates and contests, and the serious issues local neighbourhoods need addressed by City Hall.
Part 1- General information about recent columns – links below – and podcast shows, with an explanation about Coun. Santos mistaking the Salvation Army as responsible for the encampment on Alexander and Lizzie. That was one of 3 encampments we’ve covered that got some degree of clean-ups last week, one requiring a Hazmat team.
9.51 Part 2 – Our first chance to comment on the mayoral election and the initial polling. We recap a few of the announcments and promises of:
– Mayor Scott Gillingham: he wants to upgrade Marty’s childhood neighbourhood along Main Street, if we can wait two years.
– Late entrant, the former city councillor and Sun-Tribune publisher Kevin Klein: He pledges to make Winnipeg Canada’s safest city in 4 years with an expert panel chaired by former police chief Devon Clunis, and another former chief Herb Stephen signaled he wants to help.
(23.34- We were at Klein’s presentation with St. Vital councilor Brian Mayes about a dirty walk-on motion sneaking through to the upcoming final meeting of the outgoing council- because Janice Lukes wants to take away the right of Transit Plus drivers to a minimum wage.)
– Upstart outsider Mike Vogiatzakis: He says he’ll “make Winnipeg the best-run city in Canada” and “not treat failure as normal.”
While others on the ballot may not have political machinery, a few have come up with sensible, out-of-the-box solutions to Winnipeg’s failures, inefficiencies, and community fears, and those merit a review to help improve this City.
30.30 Part 3- Ward races saw two notable late additions to the ballot: former councillor Terry Wachniak trying to retake Mynarski, and Transcona’s incumbent Russ Wyatt, hoping voters look past his current criminal charges. We review a commentary “Dealing with misconduct by city Councillors” by retired political science professor Paul Thomas about the controversy.
Next, why the safe consumption site and encampment concerns could affect the vote in Point Douglas and North Logan.
On Sargent Avenue, we were told by business owner Michael Paille how the West End is dealing with an onslaught of overdoses (over 250 he’s intervened in) and gang colours. We wonder what police chief Gene Bowers will do- especially now that a modified homemade bear mace is being used by a bike rider to attack the community.
45.30 – We have details about a Halloween Market and Spooky Fundraiser on Sargent this Sunday from 1-8 pm that helps fund the annual free pancake breakfast.
Finally, we look at the three competitors who have lined up to try to oust St. Boniface councillor Matt Allard, some of their platform statements and political alignments, and which two have already agreed to be interviewed on our podcast.
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Marty Gold’s latest columns in the Winnipeg Sun-Tribune:
City’s repeated clean-up refusals raise serious safety concerns
Details behind Lizzie Street homeless encampment removal a big secret
Mayor’s promise of special 311 help for businesses rings hollow
