The three candidates running in Winkler's city council by-election participated in Monday night's forum organized by the Winkler and District Chamber of Commerce. Dustin Brown, Pam Fedack and Ryan Hildebrand are vying for the open seat on council.
After their bios were read, and each candidate presented their respective opening statements, they were given the opportunity to respond to questions submitted ahead of time to the Chamber. Those questions included, but were not limited to, the topics below:
- economic development
- property taxes
- support for the city's most vulnerable
- how to improve the city's public safety and emergency services
- ensuring transparency of council's decisions to residents
- take-aways from the recent Winkler Community Foundation Vital Signs report
- how to address local employment needs and workforce development
- ensuring the voices of diverse groups are heard and represented in decision making
- whether an indoor pool should be a recreation priority for the city
Election day is Thursday, December 12th from 8am to 8pm at the Meridian Exhibition Centre.
Below you will find each of the candidates opening statements, published in the order they were presented during the forum. You will also find the complete all candidates forum live stream, as well.
Dustin Brown - opening statement
"Good evening, everyone. Thanks for taking the time to come listen to us candidates, and taking interest in the future of our city. We are so fortunate to live in a community that is thriving in so many ways. Our protective services are top notch, and are envied by many other communities, you can see new houses going up in many different areas of the city. New businesses are seeing the potential here and are opening up shop. Small businesses continue to succeed and do well. There's so much good that we can see just by looking around our city.
However, there's still lots of work to do. Projects that are in the works need to be seen through till the end. These include the on demand public transit study that is about to begin, the Centennial Arena renovation. The water treatment plant expansion and the regional wastewater treatment facility, just to name a few. Our population rose 25% in the last decade, and housing continues to be a key issue. I think the city has done a great job of addressing this, and stress that continued efforts are equally as important. It's important to continue working with our neighbors to create regional partnerships. This allows us to not only find efficiencies and savings, but also build better relationships that help us all succeed. These are the things I feel important for the city to complete as we plan for future growth, and I would love to help plan, prepare, and see these through till the end.
For myself, running for City Council, I've been presenting three platform attributes that I believe I can bring to the table. These are the exact same as the '22 election simply because I have not changed as a person or how I do things. These are able, accountable and trustworthy. To be able, we must have the skills, dedication and willingness to take a task and complete it. To be accountable, we must be responsible as a member of Council, and be able to justify our actions and our decisions. And finally, to be trustworthy, we must be honest and truthful while carrying out our duties. These are simple definitions, yet attributes I feel are important as I run for City Council. On December 12th I ask for your vote and your support. Thank you."
Pam Fedack - opening statement
"Good evening, Mr. Moderator, each citizen tuning in online, our audience, media, fellow candidates, and Winkler and District Chamber of Commerce. I have always been proud to say I grew up in an area that respects rural values. To me, that means having a safe place to live, work, grow and play, and I want that for the future, for my kids and for all of Winkler's citizens. I also see the extreme value in diversity, growth and forward thinking, all these things that already exist in our beautiful community.
What are my priorities? I want to work to make Winkler an attractive place, to recruit more talent for the industrial and healthcare sectors, including some of the gaps and recreation. Improve lighting and accessibility across the city and its facilities to accommodate residents of all ages and ability to ensure their safety. I'll work in conjunction with the Winkler and District Healthcare Board to ensure Winkler citizens have the best access to health services, work in conjunction with local poverty reduction groups to make Winkler livable for all citizens and close the class divide, so our people are thriving and not just surviving.
As a news reporter at Golden West Radio for more than 20 years, I was steeped in many areas of the community and region. I attended many Council meetings and other community events, and had to delve carefully into the details of many projects to report on them accurately. This is work I found fascinating, and it taught me so much. I have a very good understanding of how programs and agencies work together, and the determination and innovation that has built many projects in our city.
If elected on December 12th, I'll be ready to hit the ground running. I am ready to serve, work hard for you, bend my ear to you and help Winkler continue to thrive long into the future. Thank you."
Ryan Hildebrand - opening statement
"Good evening, Mr. Moderator, invited guests and those of you watching online. I first want to acknowledge the many years of service that Don Fehr gave to this community, and wish Kathy and their family all the best in this difficult time.
As I put my name forward for Council, I've had a number of people ask me why are you running? I thought about that question many times over the years, as Council has been something that has interested me. Three attributes I think would make a good councillor are a good listener as Council works on behalf of the residents of the Community, a problem solver, as there will always be challenges that come up that will need creative solutions and someone that is sincere in their desire to keep upgrading our wonderful community.
Through my years of connecting and reporting to the six boards of Eden, my work with Central Station, my passion for Winkler Affordable Housing, now Central Community Homes, my work with the Manitoba Not-for-Profit Housing Association and my work with Buhler Active Living Center, I'm a passionate about affordable housing for families, individuals and seniors. I also have been the Treasurer for most of these boards, and understand having fiscally responsible budgets, and this common sense approach to what we can afford to do.
Winkler is an amazing community, founded on hard work, solid principles and caring for our neighbours. I am committed to advocating for the needs of Winklerites. Transparency and accountability are at the forefront of my leadership, with open communication. Together, let's build a brighter future for all that call Winkler their home. My name is Ryan Hildebrand, and I look forward to earning your vote."
- With files from Alexander Peters -