Real estate agent throws hat into ring for mayor

A Winnipeg real estate agent has become the fourth candidate to register for this year’s mayoral race.

Umar Hayat, who also ran for the job in 2018, has registered to compete in the October municipal election.

Hayat said he’s spent the past eight years meeting as many Winnipeggers as possible to gather feedback on addressing several key issues, including homelessness, addictions, housing and crime.

“I’ve spent (the time) continuously talking,” he said.

Hayat said tackling crime is a key issue. If elected, he said he would hire more police and equip them with drones and CCTV cameras to help them gather evidence.

“If we use technology, believe me, we can reduce the crime in our city,” said Hayat.

Mayor Scott Gillingham is seeking re-election, while grocery store clerk Christopher Clacio and funeral director Mike Vogiatzakis have also registered to run for mayor.

The election will take place Oct. 28.