He works in the City Planning department, and the latest plan of Kyle Roche is to become the councillor for Elmwood - East Kildonan. Our series of interviews with the candidates in the October 25th by-election continues in Episode 50 of Season 6.
Part 1- "If I was satisfied with how City Hall is handling things, I wouldn’t be running for Council."
He's worked in a few different city departments, and Kyle Roche has a different way of approaching what's going on- and going wrong- in Winnipeg.
Hear him describe having his bike stolen and why he put locks on his gates. "We need more police... (but) is spending $1 1/2 million a year leasing a helicopter really helping to reduce the crime?"
12.35- Roche believes that "Winnipeg is hundreds or thousands of employees short" due to lower per capita spending compared to other cities.
Roche argues that even though there is widespread distrust of city planners, many more need to be hired. While he wouldn't rule out a tax increase, he believes "the city would have millions more dollars if the railways at least paid their fair share."
27.42 Part 2 - Loss of on-street parking was just one of the reasons why the proposed Marion bike lanes “had some controversy.”
So was lack of consultation- but Roche insists that the problem is city council refusing to allocate funding for more staff. Roche discusses the city's performance with public communication and stalling off public delegations. He isn't opposed to putting five proposed supportive housing sites on the market for sale, instead of handing them over to the province.
40.10- The idea of building a new Louise Bridge finds favour with Roche instead of a "25 year band-aid". He cites truck and commuter traffic that needs to be kept moving. He questions why, unlike users of Kenaston Blvd., east side and north end residents "don't get a cost-benefit analysis. Is our (wasted) time worth less?"
44.00- On encampments, Roche says "It's not a safe way to live and the fact it's gotten to this point reflects a failure at so many levels," but "when we're telling people to pack up and leave, where are we telling them to go?"
He's asked why No Camping signs at Memorial Park are enforced by the province- but aren't by the city in Fort Douglas. "I totally get the point."
Roche also talks about Community Safety Officers, Police Cadets, and not being satisfied with the status quo at 510 Main Street. "Watching things get not that much better, I couldn't sit on the sidelines anymore."
More about his campaign is at kyleroche.ca
******
We'll be presenting interviews with the remaining two candidates in the Elmwood-East Kildonan by-election in the next week. ONLY TGCTS is producing long-form interviews with the candidates for the city council seat! This series is an example of why public affairs journalism is important to the community.
Our work is funded by our listeners, and readers, whose donations big n’ small keep the bills paid, the lights on, and keep us on the beat as Your Watchdog!
The Season Six funding drive has raised over $4300 – help us reach $5000 by donating here!
To advertise on the podcasts – email martygoldlive@gmail.com
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!
*****
Read Marty Gold's recent columns in the WInnipeg Sun:
- "... times had changed, and we never anticipated being surrounded, jostled, sucker punched, because Canadians did not behave that way. That lack of anticipationarose the first time I encountered a face-to-face antisemitic threat- but then again, I was only 9 years old."
Oct. 1 - My first, and more recent, experiences with Jew-haters
- "Questions of ownership have also emerged. While the property’s listed owner was unclear, Main Street Project’s flyer suggested Siloam Mission, where Your Way Home advisor Tess Blaikie Whitecloud previously worked, may be involved. When asked about its role and ownership, Siloam Mission did not respond by press time.”
Oct. 5 - Neighbours push back on Furby Street supportive housing site
