From the use of the police helicopter for a movie shoot, to downtown parking issues, to the agreement with the head of Winnipeg fire fighters union, Mayor Brian Bowman said the headlines of the past few weeks have caused him to repeatedly shake his head.
“I’m not here today to defend issues that defy common sense. I’m here to underscore a need of more common sense,” Bowman said.
On contract with UFFW president Alex Forrest
It was the first media availability for Bowman of 2018, and it began with several questions about recent revelations that the city covers 60 percent of the salary for firefighters union president Alex Forrest, despite the fact his last firefighter shift was in 2013.
“I don’t like it. I would like it to be scrapped. The appropriate time is to negotiate that within the next round of agreements”.
Air1 used in movie shoot
As for the matter of the police helicopter, Bowman said he only became aware of its role when contacted by Global News last week, adding that he did not agree with the decision for the publicly-funded chopper to be used in a private film.
READ MORE: Taxpayer-funded Winnipeg police chopper used for film shoot
“What’s different about the helicopter is we only have one. It’s a highly specialized, unique piece of equipment. If something had happened to that helicopter while it was out of the city, we don’t have re placement we could get. I had concerns and I raised them with the chief of police and they’re being addressed.”
Parking safety for Winnipeg Police
As for the matter of the head of the police union asking for more secure parking for police officers downtown, Bowman pointed the finger at the previous administration.
“You want to talk about inheriting files… the Police headquarters… if you want an example of where common sense didn’t prevail, that is one of them.”
“This issue is not something that just started — it was raised under the previous administration” Bowman said.
READ MORE: Lack of downtown parking puts officers at risk of being attacked: police association
“The members of the police service do incredibly difficult work… that is one file surrounding that building, there is ongoing dialogue. I’m not able to tell you there has been any change. There is further dialogue that has to happen. I welcome any provincial participation.”
Bowman said he appreciates the work that police officers do and the safety concerns that they have raised, and added he also appreciates the safety concerns of all citizens.
On a question about parking authority and the issues that arose at Christmas, Bowman said he expects accountability and more common sense.
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The Mayor was also asked about whether or not he thinks there is a perception that he isn’t taking responsibility for anything.
“There is a role for professional public service, there is also a role for mayor and council,” Bowman said.
With the election coming up in 2018, Bowman spoke about his record to date.
“We’ve effected change. You want to look at the state of the roads… there are a number of files we’re really proud of.”
The mayor admitted he has not managed to do everything he set out to accomplish. “We have more work to do,” Bowman said.
Bowman opened the session by saying he had a great holiday in Winnipeg with his family, and poked fun at the San Jose Shark’s negative campaign against the city on Sunday.
READ MORE: San Jose Sharks try to bait Winnipeg but the Jets get the last laugh, and the win
He said he is looking toward good things ahead in 2018, including Uber coming to the city, a new code of conduct, and the city being one step closer to providing addictions support.