Tag: City of Winnipeg

Post Election Comments & Thank You

Michael Thompson

Hello everyone,

Congratulations to the Rollins team for their election victory. The ward/voters have spoken and made their choice clear. I respect our democracy and the outcome.

It has been an amazing campaign. A lot of the issues from 2018 continued to resurface here in this 2022 election and current issues. It was my honour to run on your behalf to try to address those issues.

Thank you to everyone who voted for me, you heard my message, share my vision, and hopes to improve the ward. Everyone comments post-election reflect our disappointment in the outcome, but I am grateful for your support. I very much appreciate people trust in voting for me. The ward is the best ward in the city and a truly diverse ward. You can never take that for granted and I do not regret running.

To my campaign team, they were amazing. It is asking a lot of people to put their busy lives on hold and help on an election campaign. You received a flyer because it was hand delivered or got information about the campaign because they worked so hard.

To my campaign manager Shelley Ireland, you are a rock and intelligent woman. I have always respected your gift for seeing things and connecting with people. Without you, I do not believe I would have run.

To my family, it seems strange that a family member wants to help his community in this way since I never grew up saying I want to be an elected official. Our grandmother was active back in the day with Bill Norrie. My father was an active member of our town in the past. And my mom has a love for the city I share. For me, the natural path to addressing issues is through efforts in our democracy. I hope that others in the future will consider running to address the mistakes and challenges we face. Thank you to my family members in helping on the campaign.

To my partner & son who I asked the most of. To potentially have their lives viewed by public office, time taken for campaigning and being involved in the process. Your energy, faith and humor helped me going and was fortunate to have you in my life. Thank you for believing in us.

Thank you again for believing in me and for voting for me. The media is focused on the turnout, but I focus on the fact that people who did vote showed their independence. I was that independent. We made the other side step up and work for your vote. And for me that is a win.

Lives in the ward, loves the ward.

All the best,

Michael Thompson

Your Vote Counts, My Final Thoughts

Michael Thompson

Thank you for visiting my election site, it means this election is important to you. The majority of people I talked to feel the same way as you do. During my campaign I listened to people, knocking on doors, responded to emails and from the questions I have gotten, people are looking for change and help. You are not alone. The response to my candidacy has been humbling, amazing and shows there is a lot of work to be done.

Folks want to know how I would be different. I am different, I am an independent who’s running to work and address the issues in the ward.  The media frames me by the jobs I have held. That barely scratches the surface of the worker, experience, and leader that I am. To just say one person is just a mother or just a father hardly does them justice in all the things they have done and are doing. My goal in any project or role I take on is to leave it better than I found it. It’s what drives me to improve things, places, and the people.  Yes, even help people grow because I believe in growing leadership and the people around me to be a better team. Everyone wins and organization are stronger for it. For me this is not about the politics but of getting things done to help the ward. In talking to a person in the ward, she put it better than I ever could. “Your city councillor has direct influence on the things that affect us the most in our communities.”   You should have heard her disappointment in talking about the current city councillor.

The current councillor has lost her ability to be your councillor. She claimed to be first nation heritage in the last election which is not. She is backed by labour and cannot be impartial when it comes time to vote on issues. In our debate she was specifically bring up how she would support more jobs for city workers without any prompting from the question. And now this election she “prayed for someone to run against her”.  Someone who is looking for someone to run against her sounds like she is looking for a someone to take the burden from her and allow her to gracefully exit. She and her family cannot even vote for her because she lives outside the ward. Should we be asking her what councillor she is voting for in her ward?

Which comes to trust. It’s a hard to vote for someone you don’t know or can you trust me.  Your vote is important to you, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly.  My partner who is a nurse and I believe one of the best nurses in Canada, but I am biased in that evaluation. She asked me what I will do in four years if I am not chosen again. My response is that if I have not worked hard enough to keep that trust then I don’t deserve to be elected in again.   You may have heard of me, met me or gotten one of my flyers, this while working a full-time job, my family and working to be your next councillor. Image what I can do if I have my full efforts on working for the ward as your councillor?

Which bring me to my last thoughts. When you vote, you should have that feeling of hope. Hope in the person you are voting for, hope in the future for you and future generations. That you can feel pride and appreciate the services you are paying taxes for. That someone is listening to you and your concerns and will help you get through the challenges. It’s what makes our democracy strong and the reason I ran.  To be there for you, help build a better ward now and in the future for our kids. Can you say you feel hope in the current councillor?

This is an amazing moment and I encourage all of you to talk to your friends and neighbours in the ward to support my candidacy. Every vote helps send a clear message that we want things to be better and we want it now. That moment is Wednesday October 26, 2022, please vote for me, Michael Thompson to be your next city councillor for Fort Rouge – East Fort Garry.

Lives in the Ward, Works for the Ward!

Sincerely,

Michael Thompson

Road Contruction – Traffic Jams

Michael Thompson
How long is your commute?

The City of Winnipeg has been going gang busters repairing roads in the past 6 months. It is interesting that most major cities were doing road work during the Covid pandemic when people and vehicles were off the roads. Federal funding has been a huge help in addressing our infrastructure needs.

If elected I will work hard to address the process of infrastructure in our ward. We can do better in coordinating road and lane closures. Communicating projects, timelines, and updates on work. It is 2022 information and communication help communities and business plan better.

If we expect to be a city that has one million residents, we must do a better job of road work that does not make such a small section of city come to a complete stand still at rush hour. A person commuting through downtown should not take an hour. Image all the pollution created because vehicles are stuck downtown, the fuel being wasting, the impact on making transit buses late and people trying to get to their jobs or families. My efforts would include any work in the ward downtown would take place at night and weekends. Creating contracts with constructions companies that incentives getting the work done as quickly as practical. Spacing out contracts and working on roads so not blocking off every major artery in the ward.

When the city does infrastructure work in the ward, we need to include active transportation. Every action we can do to reduce the number of vehicles on the road is a win-win for everyone. People’s health improves using their muscles, their mental health improves, and our communities are better for it. It would be a priority for me to address this.

You should feel like someone is working on this to give you hope things are improving in the city.

Vote for me in this civic election, October 26, 2022

I live in the ward and will work for the ward!

Michael Thompson

Our Canopy, Future Generations

Michael Thompson

Our tree canopy is critical for our future and future generations. I pledge to work hard to improve the situation for the canopy in our ward.

Everyone who knows the value of trees. Helping with air, blocking sunlight to keep homes and the land cooler. People are getting better sense of that as countless trees are being cut down. The sun this summer was merciless on our concrete absorbing the heat. Makes it harder for people to walk, hotter for animals. In the winter, the wind is harsher.  Something that most people don’t think about is the beauty.  When you live in this ward regardless of the area or your home, there is something special about the trees that makes your place that extra special. It’s not the suburbs that are lacking in trees and it’s not a concrete jungle void of life.

The email below reflects a request from people fighting for our landscape which I fully support. The pledge doesn’t reflect the budget and the work on the ground currently.  My perspective is that we need to understand the baseline right now in the ward and I would work hard to build on that momentum fitting the needs of the ward and the community. Increasing the quantity and variety of trees with the groups prepared to do the work and build action where areas are under stress.

Thank you for asking your question and for my support. I ask you and other in the ward for your support and vote to help me become your next city councillor. Together we can address this important issue for everyone.

Lives in the Ward, Works for the Ward!

Michael Thompson

===============================================================

 Hello, Mr. Thompson – I am resident in the Riverview/E. Ft. Garry Ward, and a member of the Trees Please Coalition.  We are asking each candidate for Mayor or for Council if each one will commit to the Trees Please Pledge, and incorporate it into their platform.  Let me know if you have questions.  Many thanks – Jean

Here is the Pledge, or, you can access it thro’ either of the links below:

The Trees Please Pledge

If I am elected, I pledge to take the following actions to protect and maintain Winnipeg’s urban forest:

• 1. Plant: Ensure that for every 1 public tree (boulevard and park) lost, the city will replant at least 2 new public trees and ensure that those trees are adequately watered, so they survive & thrive.

• 2. Maintain: Fund a 7-year pruning cycle (the industry standard) for all public trees.

• 3. Protect: Require that tree protection best practices be incorporated into all construction projects to prevent damage and loss of trees.

Click to access The-Trees-Please-pledge-landscape.pdf

Click to access The-Trees-Please-Candidate-Pledge-portrait.pdf

Infill Direction

Michael Thompson

Infill Development

Infill Development is an active topic in the ward and the city. The City of Winnipeg has been going on for years on the process of rules, policies, and expectations of what the infill rules are. I have taken part in these consultations in the past. Everyone from homeowners, architects, developers, and designers want to know what the rules are. Clear and transparent rules help everyone be successful, so we reduce waste, costs and get a project completed faster.

Let us talk about what an infill does

  • It brings in new families to street, new memories, events, and support for activities in the area
  • When someone wants to invest in the street that a positive development. It takes hundreds of thousand dollars to build a new building. People who chose to live in the street want to be there because they see the value in living in that neighborhood
  • It removes a house or building in the area that was either neglected, run down, to expensive to operate or no longer wanted
  • It allows people to live in their dream house/building, to find a safer neighborhood or be part of something special
  • It builds up the tax base, reduce everyone’s share
  • Technology, materials, and codes change. The home built 20, 15 or 5 years ago is not the same. This gives people skills to work with new materials, designs, and setup.

What infill is not

  • It is not going to go up quickly, it takes time, resources, and work to build a home. Construction is part of the process but not the end goal. It’s nice to celebrate someone’s success when they complete a major project
  • The design no matter who they are is not going to please everyone. You can ask ten people their evaluation of a design and no one may agree. The customer, architect, designer, and builder are spending their energy, time, and funds to build it. Your house made 70 years ago may have been hated 70 years ago but over time as trees, bushes, exterior changed it was made into a home people respect and appreciate. Everyone hates something different; it is a rare community that respects and appreciate all buildings. A well-built house that is cared for, will go through mutiple renovations over time. A mature tree, landscaping will hide or make certain feature look better.
  • There is a limited budget to what any one person building the house can afford. So, if the standard were two story Tyndall stone with a 2-car garage it would become cost prohibitive over time and a barrier to block only the rich from making a house

At the end of the day, we are talking about a box being built so a family can move in to feel safe and welcomed. I would work to make sure bylaw officers have the tools they need, and construction companies respect the bylaws and the community. Making sure the community participates in the project that has larger impact than just the lot itself. Penalize bad actors and publicize the infractions. As well support those working hard to build their business and their dreams.

What is the alternative? Not allow the free market and consumers to buy homes? To block something because it does not meet the expectations of a few. The market and trends of the time will limit the options because people also consider the resale value of a building. People move from one home to the next as each stage of life. Allow others the opportunity to live in their box in the ward.

There are general standards currently in place for development. The house/building cannot be higher than the current limit for that street. The front of the building limited to the current limit of the other buildings. What is the block zoned for? The developer/owner can ask for an appeal of a bylaw.

Of course, to prevent prejudice on the part of the city councillor, the city councillor of the ward cannot sit on appeal for their own ward. So, while most people believe they are voting for their city favorite to deal with infill decisions, that councillor cannot help during the appeal process. We might as well be rallying to vote in another councillor who sits on our ward appeal board.

Where does that leave me if elected in working on this issue. Pushing to have policy updated and released on infill. Advocating for the ward vs projects that do not meet standards. Clarify and helping communities understand what the current process and what comes next. Taking an active role in the situation to keep moving forward. If you feel the current councillor is not doing their best to communicate and address this why waste another 4 years expecting things to change?

I ask you to consider and vote for me to address this situation. I consider it one of my priorities for the ward and work on it so people can trust what is going on.

Thank you,

Michael Thompson

Lives in the Ward works for the Ward!

Citizen Engagement – Your Access

Michael Thompson
Your Face-to-Face time with Michael Thompson

An expectation we have of our election officials is access. In today’s world
of technology there are emails, texts, social media, skype, teams and good old
fashion phone calls. Yet for all the ways to reach a person nothing beats person
to person. The body language, the ability to look a person eye to eye and build
trust in each other.

There is also the general belief that a councilor should have an office in
the ward so folks can visit and ask questions. Personally, I would prefer to
see a community police office in the ward before I open an office in the ward.

What I will do is always make myself available for face-to-face time once a
month in a different part of the ward. Each month I will let folks know where I
will be, so it gives people the opportunity for me to listen to you. In the
spirit – Saturday October 22, 2022, I will be at the Forks Market from 6:30 pm
to 9:00 pm. If your interested meeting me, talking about what is important to
you, I invite you to come out.

My career has included lots of troubleshooting, dealing with issues, and satisfying
people. I am not fooling anyone when I say there will be challenging face to
face meeting, but I accept that part of the responsibility of leadership and
the role. I would rather be the face of the ward and take ownership for things
that need work. The only way things improve is if we are willing to listen and
build trust in the community. I am willing to do my part.

October 26, 2022, in the City of Winnipeg Civic election, please vote for me
as City Councilor for Fort Rouge – East Fort Garry.

I live in the ward and will work for the ward!

Sincerely,

Michael Thompson

No Flyers Please

Michael Thompson

These fall days are beautiful with the sun setting quicker and quicker. Everyone appreciates having a home and I respect signs on mailboxes with notes on no flyers, no junk mail or soliciting. In criss crossing the ward, over the years I meet lots of different people. In having a conversation with a Green Party candidate I ask him what is the Green Party’s stance on putting political brochures in mailboxes. Their stance is that this is political literature and does not fall under flyers. In handing out political materials only once have I seen a note on a mail box to not put political material in the mail box which I followed.

Of course there are few ways a person running for office can promote themselves on a smaller budget. My opposition has labour support and can raise the maximum amount of over $46,000 in a week. For my campaign I like to say the “Winnipegger frugal way” a political flyer is the most practical. I appreciate being able to talk to people, see the ward and recognize the different needs in the process.

To off set the use of trees for my campaign’s political flyers I promise if elected I will move that city buildings in our ward change to hand dryers. Thus reducing the use of paper from trees, filling our landfill with waste and the plastic used to haul the paper away. It could be a different manufacture but this video shows the impact on our environment and the overall savings.

Thank you for checking out my site and considering me as your next city councillor.

When you vote, please vote for me – Michael Thompson

Lives in the Ward, Works for the Ward!

Truth and Reconciliation Day

Michael Thompson

Today was an important day. I am grateful for the efforts made by my company, city, province and country to recognize the past wrongs. It is hard to hear the stories but that is nothing compared to the pain and trauma for the survivors and their families. I hope you were able to take some time today to reflect how our future might look as we work together.

In that spirit I did my campaigning today in West Broadway the most northern part of the ward. This area is special to me and I appreciate the efforts everyone takes to do good work. One of these groups is Westminster Housing Society inc. | OUR PROJECTS and you can see the positive impact they have in our city. It was good to talk with my neighbours and find out how things were going.

In talking with people, I listened to a homeless Indigenous woman asking for her own four walls. She didn’t want a shelter (there are not enough women’s shelters). We talked about Lion’s Place where her uncle used to live. Lions Place residents speak out about potential privatization of home – Winnipeg | Globalnews.ca It’s not clear what the challenge is for Lion’s Place but it makes sense as part of our national goal of ending homeless and poverty that enabling Lion’s Place to continue would be a win win for everyone.

As your city councillor I would be advocating and working to make sure all housing in the ward is prepared for current and future challenges. Please vote for me in this civic election to bring hope to the ward. Miigwech

Wage Parity

Michael Thompson

Some items may not seem important at the community level but make a huge impact in the lives of fellow community members. Every branch in the city should have a wage parity assessment and set a goal to achieve wage parity in under 7 years.

In Canada, we value fairness and this is an important area for women to feel valued and respected in the work place. If elected, I will fight to improve the lives of women in the City of Winnipeg work place. Let’s be a national leader in this regard.

Thank you for your consideration as your next city councillor for Fort Rouge – East Fort Garry Ward.

Public Works

Michael Thompson

The city of Winnipeg public works budget is an estimated $250 million per year. This ward is one of the most important in the city. The downtown has invested a billion dollars over the past years.

There is a need to improve traffic congestion and construction in our ward. One of the biggest complaints I hear is the lack of coordination between construction and closing of roads. With my support we would see improved construction times. We are a city that will continue to grow and the goal is to have more people travelling downtown.

To do that we need:

  • Road construction taking place on major streets on nights and weekends. Our construction season is short enough, we need to work to shorten the time roads are closed
  • Coordinate contracts to when jobs are tendered and when they are started. Space out the work more effectively
  • Coordinate with other industries when working under the roads as well as on top of the roads
  • Invest in engineering methods for longer lasting roads and street lines

If you’re tired of the way road construction is done in the ward then vote for me so I can improve things. Vote for Michael Thompson in the early voting. Merci.