Chris Sweryda was the last entrant to the October 25th by-election, but he's counting on the hard work he did as the ward assistant to Jason Schreyer to resonate with voters in Elmwood-East Kildonan. Episode 51 has a wide-ranging and informative interview about Sweryda and his platform.
First on his list is building a new Louise Bridge, after he learned the rehabilitation plan "would involve an 18 month closure and that's completely unacceptable.... Repair is just not the answer any more." Sweryda believes maintaining the existing transportation network "is warranted over and above the expansions the City has been talking about." He also addresses road and pothole deficiencies.
Sweryda wants more strategic resources provided so that police can fight crime- "they're not supposed to be the social workers of the community."
The ward is affected by homeless encampments but, he says, "It's not as simple as just driving a bulldozer." If the campers move to other spaces, the result is the City playing "social problem whack-a-mole," so housing and affordability need action.
Asked if a managed encampment should be set up at the Manitoba Legislature as part of their Your Way Home program, Sweryda replied, "It's probably not the worst idea to provide a place where resources can be provided and I would welcome the province doing that."
19.40 Part 2- People recognize Chris Sweryda because of his work as a career advisor at Elmwood High School, and his effort to fulfill Schreyer's commitment to get affordable grocery programs where low-income residents need them, such as seniors' complexes. He's now trying to expand accessibility through schools, and arrange more group shopping for places like Legion Gardens to achieve "lowest price on basic food items" - a 25-40% savings.
Sweryda noted the Legion Gardens, as we had reported, had crime problems, as does the entire ward. The recent law school graduate wants the bait-bike program revived and more police investigations to catch perps because "I'm sure the same handful of people are doing these crimes" including "trying door handles every night on every car " - and, as he learned, every daytime too.
32.00 - Sweryda spent years in traffic court and sets out examples of outragous tickets issued by police to generate revenue and overtime pay - "Should these kinds of things really be a priority?"
The school-zone trap on Panet Road is another example of "they fish where the fish are." He thinks there still hundreds of signs missing, Hear his description of City engineers actually agreeing that "Speeding is not a major safety concern."
Sweryda and Marty Gold talk about how the lack of care in placing traffic signs leads to opportunistic ticketing. He's also investigated Public Works 'make-work' projects shifting intersection layouts back and forth. Even tinkering with the placement of push buttons on crosswalk poles has created more danger for pedestrians and drivers.
51.20- Hear Sweryda discuss the endorsement of the Schreyer family, the limitations needed for bike lanes, and the facts against a 30km speed limit.
Coming up- our final candidate interview!
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