Get involved this municipal election

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 31/08/2022 (1374 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There is still plenty of time to get to know those running in the next municipal election, slated for Oct. 26.

At this time, there is no lack of candidates vying for the mayor’s chair but when it comes to the ward counsellors, at the time of writing, Janice Lukes remains the sole candidate in Waverley West. That said, the deadline to register as a candidate is Sept. 20, so that may change.

Why bother to get involved?

It boils down to voting for the status quo or for change. Either way, it is your way of letting the candidate(s) know what is important to you. From safety and security, liveability by-laws, services, and amenities such as fountains, there is no lack of concerns and opinions on residents’ minds.

For example, if you live in one of the neighbourhoods of Bridgwater or have driven through this summer, you would likely not be surprised to hear that weeds and the liveability by-laws have been a hot topic. As a long time resident of the area, I would say that they are certainly not new issues as they have come up regularly in the nine years that I have lived in Bridgwater, and 2022 is no exception.

It is important to note note that said issues do not rest solely in the lap of the City of Winnipeg, but do extend to both the developer, Manitoba Housing and the builders, but residents pay their taxes to the city and tend to look first to the city for resolution. Thus, the link to the upcoming elections.

Don’t get me wrong, it is not all bad news. There are certainly some good things happening, but that which is not working typically rises quicker, is hotter, and remains at the forefront for a longer period. In turn, they can become election issues.

Don’t forget that even if the incumbent is returning unchallenged, it doesn’t mean that you can’t or shouldn’t engage them on the issues that are important to you.

There is a third option and that is not to vote, which is the option that just under 58 per cent of eligible voters chose in 2018, but that comes with consequences and little change.

So, let your voice be heard.

To find out if you are eligible to vote and on the list, visit www.winnipeg.ca