Winnipeg Election 2018

Ken St. George - Charleswood - Tuxedo

Why did you decide to run in the 2018 (Winnipeg Civic Election / School Board Election)?

I decided to run for city council, for I strongly believe I will have an impact. I want to bring more of a humanitarian and social outlook to the table. Our city is in crisis, affordable housing, poverty, and methamphetamine use are major contributors to our concerning social issues. We need someone at the table who understands these crises. I also strongly believe that individuals who have lived or witness to lived experiences, are vital in understanding issues in any sector. It is these people, who have decided to dedicate their careers to provide service, that are the real experts of any sector, private or public. My personal experiences as a public servant in health as a nurse for 14 years, dedicated to the core of Winnipeg, made me realize that front-line voices and innovation often go unheard. I want to bring this principle to ensure tax dollars are spent with cost effectiveness and sustainability at the fore front. I will bring my strength of community leadership, to Charleswood Tuxedo Westwood, the community in which I reside and adore. I am a progressive candidate, I have a valiant platform, and I believe in ethics, transparency and accountability.

What experience will you bring to complement your role as (Mayor / Councillor / School Trustee)?

Lobbying and avocation are imperative strengths to have when at the council table. One must have these strengths in order to achieve any motion which benefits the community represented. This is a huge strength of mine, for I had to lobby tirelessly to achieve any attention for my foundation, named Albert House. Also, working with upper levels of government is something I have had to do for a number of years, which can be trying. I am also excellent at collaboration, again vital at the council table. My work ethic is undeniably strong, voice is loud and clear, and I have been deemed as dedicated, persistent and passionate about issues I feel strongly about.

What are some issues that you would like to stand for in your role as (Mayor / Councillor / School Trustee), and why are these issues important to you?

I strongly believe in harmonization, and will bring this ideology with me to the table. In my constituency, many large infrastructure projects are being planned. We must ensure that accommodating urban sprawl/increased traffic flow is achieved in harmony with existing communities and green spaces. I am the candidate who has shared ideas of revenue flow to accommodate this without harming the bottom line of taxpayers in Winnipeg. My work through my foundation is endorsed by the truth and reconciliation headquarters in Winnipeg, and this experience will ensure that as a city councillor, I will create harmonization between the Kapyong Barracks project and surrounding community, a vital step towards reconciliation. I also want to address the etiology of criminal activity. Harmonization between the city and police union will be important as well. However, I would like to ensure that community service providers who are working endlessly to assist those who are struggling in various ways are supported. Mandating a percentage of corporate welfare contributions back to community non profit service providers to expand their valuable resources into the suburbs will help alleviate youth crime, and crime related to socioeconomic status or addiction.

What is something that you appreciate about the (City of Winnipeg / the ward / the school ward or school division) you wish to represent?

Charleswwod, Tuxedo, and Westwood are largely middle to mid-upper class communities. We have a strong desire to keep our communities safe and maintained. We value the authenticity our neighborhoods exhibit, appreciate our parks, green spaces, and wildlife. We are vibrant, with a strong business community. We look out for one another, and have concerns as to what is happening within our city. We are also thankful, for generations past have created communities we are proud to call home, and we wish to maintain this. My goal, if elected, is to remain at city hall, to uphold, lobby, and be heard so the values of our communities are maintained. I have no intention to use this platform for career advancement, for my heart belongs to this community and city, I can promise this.

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

I am not the candidate with deep campaign pockets, you will not see my face on bus benches nor garbage receptacles. I am a hard working, blue collar, front line service provider whom happens to be a progressive visionary, a humanitarian who is heavily involved in social issues, has vision, and is tired of the status quo. I wish to represent my constituency thoroughly, while simultaneously working to improve our city as a whole. My dedication to the community I have worked for as nurse, has created my desire to be a community leader, and I have proven this. I wish to be the same type of experienced leader for the community in which I reside and adore, as your next city council representative. There are no smoke and mirrors here, no blanketed political antics, just a straight forward, family and community oriented individual, who wishes our constituency and city to be a wonderful place to raise our children and grand children. If you are satisfied with the status quo, or wish to go back in time, I may not be the candidate for you. But if you see a better Winnipeg, like I do, perhaps I am.