Council candidates for St. Norbert

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This article was published 14/10/2014 (3999 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With current St. Norbert Coun. Justin Swandel not running for re-election in the upcoming civic election, three new faces have added their names to the ballot to become city councillor in St. Norbert: Sachit Mehra, Janice Lukes and Joe Chan.
(Note: All candidates were asked to provide their age. Some did not.)

Sachit Mehra

Age: 38

Occupation: Co-owner and manager of East India Pub and Eatery

Past experience: “I am the only candidate in the St. Norbert Ward that has not worked for a current city councillor,” Mehra said. “As I’ve been talking to people at the door, I’ve heard their frustrations with the way they’ve been represented at city hall, and I share their desire to see change, and to have trust restored to the office of councillor.”

Mehra said he has 20 years of business experience, has fundraised for Victoria General Hospital and serves as director for Kings Park Child Care. He is also a member of the Grey Cup steering committee.

Why he’s running: “As a resident of the community for 13-plus years, I want to represent St. Norbert because I know the important impact that civic issues have on people’s lives, whether it’s the state of our roads, transit services and cycling options, enhancing our community recreational facilities, or improving neighbourhood safety and protecting our families,” Mehra said. “I have consistently demonstrated that I am able to work with people from all backgrounds and to act in the best interest of everyone. I want to be the voice for change for our community at city hall and give St. Norbert the strong and trusting voice it deserves.”

Janice Lukes

Occupation: “I am an infrastructure fundraiser and project manager,” Lukes said. The self-employed fundraiser said she’s been working for 14 years helping community groups raise money for projects such as soccer fields, bathrooms at the farmers’ market, play structures and park upgrades.

Past experience: “I am not a member and never have been a member of a political party,” Lukes said. Her civic experience includes going to city hall and advocating for variances and bylaws related to her work.

Why she’s running: “I have 14 years of a proven track record of getting the job done,” she said. “I have a record of working in the community. I have valuable insight in the community and how to move projects forward. I’d like to continue and use this experience and knowledge and do it in the role of city councillor and share the knowledge I’ve gained. I don’t own any businesses and people love the fact that I am not beholden to any political party or an endorsement.”

Joe Chan

Age: 42

Occupation: A business consultant and special assistant to Coun. Harvey Smith (Daniel McIntyre). Chan’s family owns Cathay House, which he manages.

Past experience: “I worked for Harvey Smith for 15 years as a special assistant,” Chan said. “Only two of the candidates running in the ward have council experience.”

Why he’s running: “I want to stop people from getting hurt,” Chan said. If elected, he will move to St. Norbert with his family. “I care about the people. This area really needs help.”