Three hats in the ring for East St. Paul mayor

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This article was published 14/10/2014 (3991 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Three candidates are looking for the RM of East St. Paul’s top job.

Incumbent Lawrence Morris is in the running, as are Ward III councillor Barry Schreyer and Shelley Hart.

(Note: Candidates were asked to provide their ages. Some did not.)

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Lawrence Morris

Occupation: Retired Canadian Grain Commission employee

Council experience, if applicable: 10 years as councillor; eight years as mayor

Why are you running? “Morris has represented the residents of East St. Paul for the last 18 years — 10 years as a councillor and the last eight years as mayor of East St. Paul. He said he maintains his commitment to responsible, transparent and proactive municipal governance, and feels he has proven to be a strong leader, ensuring that the municipality has proper plans in place to sustain the future of the municipality.

“If re-elected, he said he will focus on:

• Sustaining one of the lowest mill rates in all of Manitoba that will continue to provide the excellent services that exist today;
• Restricting developers to larger lots that would sustain the integrity of East St. Paul;
• Continuing to allocate funds to municipal reserves to ensure that funds are available for the large infrastructure projects that have been identified in the municipal long-term plans;
• In collaboration with the Partnership of the Manitoba Capital Region, continue to work with surrounding municipalities in a cohesive manner in promoting regional development and the sharing of infrastructure;
• Working towards affordable housing options for seniors;
• Promoting active transportation in the municipality;
• Providing more recreational opportunities in the community by ensuring that a multi-use facility feasibility study is completed in a timely manner.”

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Barry Schreyer

Age: 62

Occupation: Retired construction company owner

Why are you running? “I am asking voters of East St. Paul to support my bid for mayor. (Residents) deserve a mayor that you can trust, someone who clearly demonstrates that he/she is looking out for your best interest as a resident and taxpayer of this municipality. Having successfully run a vertically integrated business until retirement in 2007 and having served as councillor during the last four-year term, I believe that I have the municipal government and business experience to take on this role.”  

Primary objectives include the following:
• Far better transparency, including live-streaming and/or videotaped and archived meetings so our residents can view them at their leisure;
• I will ask each member of council to post and archive their monthly indemnity sheets and expense accounts on the municipal website;
• Increased fiscal oversight on capital projects including full investigation of current Public Works Building project;
• I will seek out a specialized company to help guide council as to whether “developers are paying their fair share” of the costs associated with their impact on current and future municipal services and infrastructure;
• Be more aggressive in going after provincial and federal grant money.

More information can be found online at www.barryschreyer.com

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Shelley Hart

Age: 56

Occupation: Retired deputy chief for Winnipeg Police Service

Why are you running? “I am seeking the opportunity to serve the residents of East St. Paul, the community I have lived in with my husband and two sons for nearly 30 years. In February, I retired after a 36-year career with the Winnipeg Police Service, where I was the deputy chief of police.  

“I have a history of fiscal accountability and building successful teams that will help maximize the potential of East St. Paul and build a stronger community — one that will be viable and self-sustaining for years to come.  

“I have been going door to door six days a week, meeting residents and listening to their concerns and vision for East St. Paul.  Residents want a stop to spiralling property taxes and utility costs.  They want more amenities in their community including a recreation centre and a market garden on the community centre grounds creating a focal point in East St. Paul.   
How leaders govern is as important as their decisions.  Our community wants a mayor who will consult with residents and lead with transparency.”

Website: www.ShelleyHart.ca