Giving Simmons key to city a ‘big step backwards’: Nordman

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One of Mayor Sam Katz's council allies says the City of Winnipeg has been demeaned by the mayor's office's decision to give Kiss frontman Gene Simmons a key to the city.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/06/2011 (5589 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

One of Mayor Sam Katz’s council allies says the City of Winnipeg has been demeaned by the mayor’s office’s decision to give Kiss frontman Gene Simmons a key to the city.

In an email to members of council, St. Charles Coun. Grant Nordman called the Wednesday ceremony at city hall a “ridiculous award” which he personally opposed.

“I left the building on purpose yesterday to make sure that I was not seen to be part of this idiotic gesture,” wrote Nordman, city’s council speaker. 

BORIS.MINKEVICH@FREEPRESS.MB.CA
Musician Gene Simmons (right) drew a crowd at city hall. He was given the key to the city by city councillor Gord Steevs.
BORIS.MINKEVICH@FREEPRESS.MB.CA Musician Gene Simmons (right) drew a crowd at city hall. He was given the key to the city by city councillor Gord Steevs.

“Who’s next? Congressman Weiner?”

Weiner is stepping down in the U.S. due to a sex scandal. Simmons claims to have slept with more than 4,600 women.

Nordman, a Progressive Conservative, also said he thought St. Vital councillor and Seine River Tory hopeful Gord Steeves stood nothing to gain from handing Simmons the award.

He said he advised the mayor’s office and Steeves against the award.

“I think we’ve taken a big step backwards in the eyes of the electorate,” he said.

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