Endorsements here, endorsements there, endorsements everywhere

While mayor Sam Katz had already won the endorsements of Winnipeg firefighters and police in this fall’s election, he added Manitoba’s top chief to his list of supporters, according to the Winnipeg Free Press. Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Ron Evans has publically announced his allegiance to the incumbent mayor saying that Katz has been supportive of projects such as training programs and an urban reserve near Polo Park. The city’s other main mayoral contender, Judy Wasylycia-Leis, got a trio of supporters who have done the job themselves earlier this week. As reported by the CBC and the Free Press, former city mayors Bernie Wolfe, Bill Norrie and Glen Murray believe that based on her political career and personal characteristics, the former Winnipeg North MP would make the best leader for Winnipeg.

Former councillor’s family withdraw support for candidate, memory ‘dishonoured’ by actions

The children of former River Heights-Fort Garry city councillor Brenda Leipsic, who died of cancer in 2008, have withdrawn their support from the man who took over her position, telling the CBC that he is taking credit for their late mother’s work.
Greg and Tracy Leipsic were offended by Coun. John Orlikow’s Oct. 3 media release wherein he claims that he appealed to the city to increase funds for its 2011 Capital Plan to accommodate a Waverley Street crossing.
The Leipsics point out that the city’s 2007 capital budget reflect their mother’s success in obtaining the money.
“In taking credit for my mother’s work, John Orlikow dishonours my mother’s memory. It shows that he is not up to the standards set by her in representing the people of this ward,” Greg Leipsic stated in his own release.
Although Orlikow has apologized to the Leipsic family, they have officially switched to supporting his competition, Michael Kowalson.

Published in Volume 65, Number 8 of The Uniter (October 21, 2010)