Four seeking Transcona council seat

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/10/2014 (1736 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

After a brief flirtation with federal politics, Coun. Russ Wyatt instead opted to remain in the race for his civic seat, which he’s held since 2002.

Three challengers are also in the race: Ray Ulasy, Blessing Feschuk, and George Baars-Wilhelm.

(Note: Candidates were asked to provide their ages. Some did not.)

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Russ Wyatt

Age: 44

Occupation: Formerly an insurance broker and  director of policy and communications for the Association of Manitoba Municipalities

Council experience, if applicable: 12 years as councillor

Why are you running? "I love our community and our great city. The passion I have for Transcona is what drives me and so many in our community to improve and build for the future.
"And we have made tremendous progress over the last few years. An underpass worth $80 million is now under construction. The new Transcona Boulevard (Kildare Avenue Extension) and the new Aquatics Park are both under construction, and soon the new affordable seniors and family housing project, Paul E. Martin Estates, will start construction. These are only a few examples of what we have achieved together. As the Park City of Winnipeg, there are so many other successes we can celebrate together, from the renewal of parks and playgrounds, old and new, to the Transcona Centennial Square, a proud community project that works to ensure the renewal of Downtown Transcona.

"My hope and goal in the future is to see these and other projects, such as the new Transcona Library, and the opening of the new East End Arena, make our community stronger. And most importantly, to ensure we keep rebuilding our roads and existing infrastructure so we can renew our existing neighbourhoods for the next generation.

"We have made many positive changes and let’s keep the momentum to make more progress in the future. Thank you."

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Ray Ulasy

Age: 50

Occupation: Vice-president at Legacy Bowes Group

Why are you running? I have lived in Transcona for 49 years. In that time I have served in the community for 25 years as president of the South Transcona Community Club, two years as chairman of the Hi Neighbour Festival, the community club boards, Native Women’s Transition Centre, Rotary Club and have coached all levels of hockey.

I decided to run as I was approached by many citizens of Transcona that are tired of the status quo. Many citizens feel as though they do not have a voice for Transcona at city hall. I have seen a community with a lot of pride become something of an afterthought when it comes to new amenities in the area. Currently, residents feel as though there is a lack of transparency/accessibility at city hall through our current councillor. I personally feel that our current councillor’s head is not in the game, and his interests lie outside of what is required of him.

My priorities for Transcona are:

• Fixing our aging infrastructure;
• Supporting our local economy and jobs;
• Effectively planning and improving transit in our growing community;
• Planning projects on time and on budget;
• Increasing accountability and transparency at city hall;
• Being a part of our community by being engaged and accessible.
If elected, I want the people of Transcona to know that they have someone whom they can approach. It is in the best interest of Transcona to have a leader that will lead, not pick and choose when it is convenient.

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Blessing Feschuk

Occupation: Worker in the health care industry, primarily as health care aide

Why are you running?: She said she is a proud Transcona resident who will serve the ward and the City of Winnipeg through practical and fiscally responsible solutions.

Feschuk is coming into this race with many years of working with vulnerable people including seniors with health issues. She has worked in the health care industry for over a decade, mostly as a health care aide worker. Working in the health field, she says she has seen the importance of having an advocate and the right people caring for you, and she plans to represent the Transcona ward by not only being a voice but to see that practical solutions to the issues that concern residents are addressed in a timely manner.

Her education and work experience has expanded her knowledge in the following areas: health and safety, budgeting, labour relations, business law, conflict resolution, collective bargaining, communication, human resource management and project management. She says she is a driven, hard worker who enjoys helping others and collaborating for the benefit of all. She hopes to address many of the issues that she has seen as a resident that she feels have been ignored over the years. Blessing plans on bringing fresh ideas, practical problem solving, and fiscally responsible approaches to city council. She decided to run for city councilor partly because she likes to be part of the solution in making Transcona vibrant and beautiful and welcoming.

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George Baars-Wilhelm

Age: 49

Occupation: Former Manitoba Liberal Party executive director

Why are you running? "I was born, raised and educated in Winnipeg. I currently live in Transcona with my spouse. My career has spanned self-employment, private business and in non-profit organizations. I have held board positions with many organizations. I have been approached to get involved in politics. Lately, those voices have been growing stronger. People I talk with are tired of the same old, same old at city hall. They want elected officials to act responsibly, and co-operate at all levels.

"I want to focus on: Increasing infrastructure repairs, more affordable seniors housing, improve snow clearing and create off-leash dog areas in Transcona.

"I believe my strong (ability) to listen to people and to care about their needs sets me above the others. My experience working with non-profits, political parties, businesses, governments and community groups gives me a greater understanding of what makes a community thrive, grow and prosper.

"Transcona is an amazing and thriving community. Transcona needs a strong voice, with new and fresh ideas to continue on the path of growth, renewal and sustainability. I can and want to be that voice at city hall.

"For more information, visit www.vote4george-baars-wilhelm.weebly.com"