WINNIPEG — The municipal election is still just under a year away but it looks like the race to become Winnipeg’s mayor will be crowded.
Former St. Vital councillor Gord Steeves became the first to formally declare his candidacy Monday afternoon with three-time Olympic speedskating medallist Susan Auch introducing him as “Winnipeg’s next mayor.”
Steeves said he doesn’t like what he’s seeing at city hall and it’s time for change. His election posters carry the slogan “Mayor for a new day.”
“I want to restore confidence and trust in city hall,” said Steeves. “Let me carry your message to city hall. Stand up for Winnipeg and stand up for a brand new day.”
Steeves said recent scandals over mismanagement at city hall helped propel him into the race.
“I think it’s painting our city in a bad light and I think people have become very discouraged,” said Steeves.
Earlier Monday, Charleswood-Tuxedo-Whyte Ridge Coun. Paula Havixbeck said she’s strongly considering throwing her hat into the ring.
“I am still contemplating it very seriously,” Havixbeck told Global News. “I believe we need leadership at city hall that people can trust.”
Havixbeck said several people at public events have told her to run for mayor.
Coun. Scott Fielding hasn’t ruled out the possibility that he will run. Fielding quit the mayor’s powerful inner circle, the Executive Policy Committee, Friday morning.
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Privacy lawyer Brian Bowman is also keeping a close eye on city hall, saying he will decide in the new year whether he will run.
“What people are telling me is it is time for something new,” said Bowman.
Former mayoral contender Judy Wasylycia-Leis could also take another shot at Mayor Sam Katz’s job. The former NDP MP and MLA came in second behind Katz in the last election.
“I am thinking about it so carefully and seriously,” said Wasylycia-Leis.
Katz said he hasn’t decided whether he’ll run again but welcomed those who have.
“The more people running for public office, whether city council or mayor, the better it is for the public,” said Katz.
The next municipal and school board elections are scheduled to take place Oct. 22, 2014.
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