School trustees on the ballot

I have served the Province of Manitoba for the past two years as the Special Legislative Assistant to the Minister of Families and the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs. Prior to that, I served as the Constituency Manager for the former Member of Parliament for Elmwood-Transcona, Lawrence Toet. Previous to that, I spent 15 years in the Information Technology and Project Management fields.

Throughout my years of continuous involvement in Transcona, I have learned a great deal about the specific needs of our community. I am ready to get to work to use my knowledge and experience to make our great community even better.

Profession: Special Legislative Assistant

Education:

Red River College Project Management

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

About You

Have you ever previously run for or held office?

I have not previously run for office.

Have you ever been a member of a political party?

I am an active member of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba.

Why did you decide to run for office?

I decided to run for office due to a sincere passion to give back to the community that has given so many opportunities to my family.

My small-town values, work ethic, and blue-collar upbringing are what drew me to Transcona many years ago. I’m hopeful my service in the community and my knowledge of legislative process and public finances will ensure that Transcona gets the funding, projects, and civic services to make our community an even better place for all families.

What are the biggest issues facing your community?

Many of the issues faced in Transcona are the same as in other areas of our city. Primarily, the ageing infrastructure, access to recreational activities that are appropriate and reflective of our community needs, and crime as a result of meth addiction.

Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.

Although I enjoy all genres of music, I’m a huge fan of electronic music. I’ve always been a fan of loud bass music, so I guess that fits with it.

About your platforms and policies

What is your position on reopening Portage and Main to pedestrians?

I agree improvements are needed at Portage and Main, however, I disagree with the full opening of the intersection. I believe accommodations and improvements can be implemented in the area to make the intersection, including the barriers, more visibly appealing and more accessible. These changes would be in line with being a modern and vibrant city, accommodating accessibility for all, and ensuring the safety of drivers and pedestrians.

What should Winnipeg’s plan be for the future of public and active transit?

I support a reliable and efficient transit system. I have heard from the residents of Transcona that is there is not a quick way to get where they are going. Transcona is still dealing with the symptoms of amalgamating Transcona into Winnipeg that has left us with suboptimal commute routes between Transcona and Downtown. I think we need to undertake a careful study of traffic in the area to determine how to optimize traffic flows and determine if our current road infrastructure is sufficient for our community's needs. As an example, we should look if the Louise Bridge has sufficient capacity.

I am strongly supportive of an approach that uses Transit and vehicle traffic to alleviate the current pinch points. Making Transit a viable option for many to get from Transcona to other areas of Winnipeg will also help deal with our current traffic concerns. My goal is to work with Council, City Administration, and Advocates to increase ridership.

My focus for active transportation would be a further extension of the Transcona Trail network to link from the current termination point of Regent further south to link up with active transportation corridors in St. Boniface.

What actions should the city take to progress toward reconciliation with Indigenous Canadians?

Winnipeg and Manitoba as a whole are progressing forward together in the spirit of reconciliation. For the last two+ years I have worked very closely with many of our strong Indigenous voices and leaders in my work and have seen firsthand the progress that can be made with respect and working together to improve the lives of our Indigenous and Métis peoples.

We have many people whom have rededicated themselves to learn from the wrongs of generations past. I feel that continuing the work that has already been undertaken to educate others will ensure that future generations understand the impacts of past actions.

How can the city tackle growing problems with drug addiction?

This is not an easy problem to solve, as we have a chronic shortage of treatment centres. The Bruce Oake centre will be a welcome addition when it becomes a realization. I would advocate working closely with people on the front lines of this issue to understand what they are experiencing. We need to leverage their experiences in dealing with this flood of cheap meth into our city. We need our Provincial and Federal partners to step forward and work together to craft a solution that works for Winnipeg.

Tell us about something you’ve seen in another city that Winnipeggers should consider implementing here.

While visiting Edmonton, I saw with amazement the massive ring road project they undertook with the Anthony Henday Drive, which now that it is complete, allows for 80 kilometres of free-flowing traffic. As a transportation corridor, traffic movement is a constant challenge in our city; we would benefit greatly from a modern corridor of this nature.

Find out more about Shawn Nason:

https://www.votenason.ca
https://www.facebook.com/VoteNason4Transcona/

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Age: 55

Profession: Before I left to pursue the position of City Councillor for Transcona I was proud to be the Director of Marketing for the Vickar Automotive Group. I was with the group for 13 years. All told I have been in Sales/Management for over 40 years, having worked in the field and in the boardroom.

Education:

I graduated from high school, attended Red River, but most of my education comes from life experiences.

About You

Have you ever previously run for or held office?

I have never run for political office, but I once was the Chair of the Holy Cross School...but that was I think 1996 or 97, so I don't think that counts.

Have you ever been a member of a political party?

In the past, I have supported all of the 3 main parties by either donating money to a friend's campaign, or by joining to support them in their bid to represent their community. Do I have ties and am an insider to any one party? That would be no, but I vote for who I believe would best represent me and my values at any election.

Why did you decide to run for office?

I was approached a year ago to consider running as a new voice for Transcona. With all that I have done in the past to help in the community and city, this just seemed like a natural fit to continue on a bigger surface.

What are the biggest issues facing your community?

I think the biggest issue I see at the doors and in the community is that people don't have faith in City Hall. Not just in Transcona, this is city wide. I believe we can start to earn that faith back by just doing the right thing for our residents. There are many topics open for discussion in conversating with residents, but trusting in your representatives is missing is the feeling at the doors that needs to be addressed.

Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.

I think I'm a great singer!!

About your platforms and policies

What is your position on reopening Portage and Main to pedestrians?

I believe that we have more pressing issues to spend our hard earned money on at this time, and that if on October 24th, the vote is no, then Council and the Mayor need to listen to the residents.

What should Winnipeg’s plan be for the future of public and active transit?

I will start with the same answer as above. While I am not against growth or spending money, I am against not spending wisely. In Transcona, most people are against Rapid Transit... But not against another idea of outting more buses on the streets during peek hours and having more on feeder routes to get people moving...more buses= more workers= more money in our community.

What actions should the city take to progress toward reconciliation with Indigenous Canadians?

Our city is diverse in its culture and ethnicity. We need to open our arms and embrace each other as neighbours, as Winnipeggers, as Manitibans and Canadians. However, through all, each of us should take the time to learn from each other and embrace our differences as well as respect them.

How can the city tackle growing problems with drug addiction?

We need treatment centres. And education. How to deal with friends and family members with addiction is a start. How can I help them? By being involved and listening...learning the signs. But we do need more education on how to help.

Tell us about something you’ve seen in another city that Winnipeggers should consider implementing here.

I have seen walkways over busy intersections bring vibrant life to areas. Why not look at something like that at Portage & Main in the future? Wouldn't be a deterrent to traffic or pedestrians. 

Find out more about Steven Lipischak:

http://www.steve4transcona.ca/
@Steve4Transcona
https://www.facebook.com/StevenforTranscona/

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Age: 39

Profession: Paramedic

Education:

2002 Primary Care Paramedic

2004 University of Winnipeg Bachelor of Arts (B.A), Justice and Law Enforcement/Sociology

2014 University of Manitoba Bachelor of Science (BSc.), Psychology

About You

Have you ever previously run for or held office?

No

Have you ever been a member of a political party?

7 years ago I was a member of the Liberal Party of Canada. I decided to put my name forward because there was a chance for new youthful leadership as well as to draw attention to the excessive fees required to be considered for the position. I did not renew my membership after the 1 year.

Why did you decide to run for office?

I found myself complaining and hearing others complain. It seemed to be about everything from poor roads to increasing crime. I decided to stop complaining and become involved in a big way. The way I see it is that the failures of this City are in part my failures if I fail to act, and my responsibility to help correct them. I grew up in Transcona and I want to see it continue to grow and thrive. I also have three young children and felt I wanted to be part of shaping their city.

What are the biggest issues facing your community?

One of biggest issues I have been hearing door to door are in regards to crime. People tell me about car break-ins, vandalism and other theft. Some feel that they are losing the quiet untouched community they have known for years. Another issue on residents' minds is regarding roads and sidewalks. Numerous examples of damaged and sometimes unsafe roads and sidewalks are communicated to me. Residents also feel a sense of uncertainty and worry about what's to come as they have had the same City Councillor for the last 16 years.

Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.

I have won 3 karaoke contests on cruise ships.

About your platforms and policies

What is your position on reopening Portage and Main to pedestrians?

I am against reopening Portage and Main to pedestrians at this time. With my background as a Paramedic, safety is always a top priority for me and I believe opening Portage and Main provides a safety risk. The high volume of traffic through that intersection would be adversely affected and the daily commute time for thousands of Winnipegers would increase. In addition to that, the millions of dollars that would be spent on this project could be spent in so many other ways that are really needed within our city and could bring direct improvement to the lives of many in our communities.

What should Winnipeg’s plan be for the future of public and active transit?

Our current transit system isn't keeping up with how the city is growing and developing. If we are to increase ridership, we need more effective and accessible transit. I believe increasing the reach of feeder routes so all Winnipegers have access to transit, as well as increasing the frequency of main routes is how we need to grow our transit system. There is a need to reassess the existing routes and their ridership, so buses are neither empty or so full that they have to pass by bus stops without stopping. We need to put the enormously expensive bus rapid transit plan on hold, and take just a small portion of the money it takes to build one rapid transit corridor and invest it into making our current system efficient and effective for the most Winnipegers possible before we consider a rapid transit system in the future. Safety also needs to be forefront in the future of our public transit, and having a plan to protect the riders and operators of our buses is paramount.

What actions should the city take to progress toward reconciliation with Indigenous Canadians?

It is important to note that symbolic gestures are not always enough. The City of Winnipeg needs to highlight and promote cultural awareness training to its employees. Work with indigenous groups and leaders to promote economic initiatives. As well as continuing to bring awareness of the history of residential schools and the continued impact. The more we can educate, spreading understanding and awareness of past issues, the more we can move forward in a positive way together.

How can the city tackle growing problems with drug addiction?

The Opioid/meth epidemic is a huge issue right now. Having worked in Emergency services I’ve seen it first hand. There is a real need for more treatment centres that can be accessed through the healthcare system instead of families having to spend thousands of dollars. We could continue to work on prescribing practices, through education, prescription monitoring programs, and continued use of narcan for overdose. As safety needs to be a priority, I would be in favour of looking at the feasibility of safe injection facilities. Overall, we need a tough, realistic education program in place for our children to prevent drug use before it starts.

Tell us about something you’ve seen in another city that Winnipeggers should consider implementing here.

While door knocking, transit users have expressed their concern over safety issues while using transit and at stops. I've seen innovation in enhancing security and safety on the Calgary Transit system. They have peace officers (not police) that patrol and ride the buses. This adds security to both passengers and drivers. The peace officer can be a presence and also communicate directly with police quickly and efficiently.

Find out more about Shane Geschiere:

http://www.shane2018.ca/
https://twitter.com/Shane_G_2018
https://www.facebook.com/shaneGeschiere2018

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Age: 67

Profession: After 30 years with the Winnipeg Police Service, I am a retired police officer. During my public service career, I was an advisor to several Police Chiefs for the Aboriginal Advisory Committee. I also recruited for the police while assigned to the Diversity Unit. I am proud to say I was the Winnipeg Police Liaison with the Transcona Biz during the Anti-Graffiti initiative which still exists today. Part of my duties also included being the Crime Prevention Officer assigned to the Transcona ward working alongside the Citizens for Crime Awareness volunteer group, presenting such programs as Neighbourhood Watch, Block Parent and Personal Safety. For my efforts, I was recognized with an exemplary service medal by the City of Winnipeg.

Education:

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

Public Speaking

Media Relations

Crisis Negotiations

French Language courses

About You

Have you ever previously run for or held office?

I have never run or held public office.

Have you ever been a member of a political party?

No, I have no political affiliation.

Why did you decide to run for office?

First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge the past work of our previous councillor who served for 16 years.

I feel I am the best suited and most prepared candidate to now represent the ward of Transcona. It was a very rewarding experience and I gained a lot of insight being a public servant for over 30 years. I am aware of the dedication it takes to listen to the complaints of the people and to work with different focus groups with the hopes of coming to a satisfactory resolution. I strongly believe that I can provide everyone with an equal opportunity for their concerns to be heard.

Therefore, after considerable discussions with my wife and children, I submitted my candidacy with their full support.

What are the biggest issues facing your community?

The biggest issues facing Transcona is infrastructure, crime, health care accessibility.

Infrastructure: We need to continue to invest in infrastructure in order to alleviate the concerns with the flow of traffic that exists on our major routes. This is an area where I feel the need that we have to work with our neighbouring councillors to help secure the funding necessary to look at extending the Chief Peguis Trail east, an underpass at Marion/Archibald, and the replacement of the Louise Bridge.

Crime: There are a number of crime related issues that come to mind facing our community. Recently with the increase of persons dealing with addictions, as a community we have not been secluded by this show of increase in crimes. As a former Winnipeg Police Officer, my instinct is to fall back on my previous experience with crime prevention and crime awareness. My intention is to have a positive working relationship with the Winnipeg Police Service specifically the Crime Prevention Unit, the Community Support Unit, and the Victim Service Unit in regards to education, and prevention initiatives that existed while I was in public service.

Health Care Accessibility: As a ward, our residents are concerned with the closure of the Concordia Hospital emergency room. This closure slated for June 2019 will create a further wait time and extended transportation concern with having to either drive or be transported to the nearest ER. For some, this may mean a life and death issue. Now although I realize this is a provincial responsibility, I see the need to lobby with other supporting city councillors to work with our local MLA's to keep the ER open or in the least have an Urgent Care Center to service the residents of our wards. We also need to build upon the services presently offered at our local WRHA Access Center instead of the continuous programs closing.

Tell us something about yourself that voters might find surprising.

I have been cancer free for 11 years. I am a fighter and a survivor.

About your platforms and policies

What is your position on reopening Portage and Main to pedestrians?

Personally I don't feel the need to re-open Portage and Main. As a city, we can better utilize our money on more pressing priorities. However, I will respect the decision by the citizens of Winnipeg during the referendum on October 24th.

What should Winnipeg’s plan be for the future of public and active transit?

Rapid Transit, bike routes and walking paths are aspects of transportation that I feel also need to be supported.

Transcona is seen as a continuous developing community which in turn affects our current traffic system. In order to adapt, we must also consider scheduling better bus routes to accommodate the high density housing market that is taking place in our ward.

Bike lanes and walking paths provide an alternate mode of transportation as well and promotes an active lifestyle.

What actions should the city take to progress toward reconciliation with Indigenous Canadians?

I believe the city has been actively promoting reconciliation with Indigenous Canadians for some time. Just a few examples being the change of hiring policies within city departments, ongoing mandatory cultural training for all city employees, and celebrating National Aboriginal Day at city hall.

How can the city tackle growing problems with drug addiction?

Unfortunately for some families, the growing problem of drug addiction has not been restrictive to certain wards or social groups. This is a problem that also exists beyond poverty. I fully support, for example, the initiative of the Bruce Oake Recovery Center and the recent acquisition of the old Mitchell Fabric building by the Main Street Project.

As a city, the drug addiction problem has put a strain on our emergency personnel to respond to other emergency matters that also require assistance, so any private group willing to step forward to make a difference should be applauded and fully supported by the city.

Tell us about something you’ve seen in another city that Winnipeggers should consider implementing here.

The use of service roads off major thoroughfares to lessen the use of intersecting streets.

Find out more about Alex Allard:

https://www.facebook.com/alex.allard.94064

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