All the best of the season to you

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/12/2021 (537 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I hope this will find you and your loved ones in good health. I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your support and encouragement over the last year. I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity to serve as your elected official.

Thank you for your trust and faith to everyone who cast a vote for me. I remain committed to serving my community and city to the best of my ability.

Thank you for your caring and understanding as we continue to navigate the uncharted waters of COVID. I would ask that we all have an extra measure of understanding for those who may have uncharacteristically expressed frustration or anger towards others at times. It’s stressful and frightening for many of us.

To frontline workers, grocery clerks, delivery drivers, everyone, thank you for what you’re doing to help. I can’t imagine the difficulty provincial Public Health officials face every day. I often think of the famous speech from Any Given Sunday:

“In either the game of life or football, the margin for error is so small. I mean one half step too late or too early, and you don’t quite make it. One-half second too slow or too fast, and you don’t quite catch it.”

I imagine this is what health officials consider daily.

2021 has been a challenging year, one that will leave lasting impacts. Our city faces many challenges and divisions, and as leaders, we are responsible for making difficult decisions and addressing critical issues.

We have to find ways to increase accountability and efficiencies within the public service. We need to work as partners with businesses, not-for-profits and the arts communities to grow our local economy and build a solid foundation for our young people. I am optimistic about Winnipeg’s future. The truth is, I’m excited. Our city has great potential, just waiting to be unleashed.

Those are some reasons why I agreed to put my name on a ballot. But when I did, I made commitments to you. I committed to asking tough questions and holding people accountable. I remain committed to those goals and to making Winnipeg Better.

From my family to yours, we wish all your hopes and desires come true this holiday season. May the season’s magic make all your dreams real.

I leave you with this thought. You are not alone. We are in this together, and most importantly, because of your efforts to keep others safe, there is hope.

Please have a safe, healthy and happy holiday.