WARD PROFILE: Elmwood-East Kildonan

Thomas Steen, the incumbent councillor, is running for re-election.

In 2010, 39 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot.

Candidates

• Thomas Steen: Incumbent city councillor. Heformerly played for the Winnipeg Jetsand lives in Eaglemere, a development in theward.
• Paul Quaye: Has a diploma in communications from Assiniboine Community College. Has also served on the board of directors for Parents Without Partners.
• Jason Schreyer: Hasworked more than 10 years as a political assistant in different levels of government. He is currently the assistant to Steve Ashton, the provincial minister of infrastructure and transportation.
• Jason Cumming: Graduated from high school in 2013 and has been working in sales and management at VioRR Marketing Group. Cumming has also been involved with Scouts Canada for 10years.

Issues

From Jan. 1, 2014 to Sept. 16, 2014, there were 1,028 calls to 311 about missed garbage collection.

The second-highest complaint from the ward was about missed snow removal on roads997 calls. That number is 158 per cent higher than in 2013.

CrimeStat shows that there have been 368 recorded crimes in Elmwood-East Kildonan from Jan. 1, 2014 to Sept. 16, 2014. The majority of those crimes fall under the break and enter category.

Candidate Q & A

• Whodo you support for mayor of Winnipeg?

Jason Cummings:Im still undecided. I think they all have really good qualities, and theres also things that I disagree with for all of them, too. So Im still trying to weigh my options to see whos going to be the actual best fit for our city.

Paul Quaye:I really havent made a decision on who Im supporting for mayor. Id like to vet some of the platforms. I think one of the things that is lacking is some substance for some of the promises they are coming out with.

Jason Schreyer:If elected, I will be pleased to work with whomever Winnipeggers choose as our mayor.Personally, I will be voting for Judy.

Thomas Steen:Im working for my residents, so whoever is going to be the mayor, Im going to try and work with the mayor. It looks like its three candidates that are pulling ahead of the others, so well see on Oct. 22.

• With what political party are you associated?

Jason Cummings:Independent. I dont agree with associating myself with any political party. Blanket policy is not my thing. I believe in morality in each situation, so thats where I stand. More independent than anything else.

Paul Quaye:Im a complete independent. I got ideas that range all over the place left, right so when the ideas come out people are going to try and slot them into wherever they can. But in the end Im a fan of a good idea, and a good idea that makes sense doesnt need to have a party.

Jason Schreyer:Like most city councillors, I have been politically active on a partisan level and I am a member of the New Democratic Party.

Thomas Steen:I would say that Im probably in the middle somewherebecause Im not affiliated especially with one party.

Voters Voices

Some residents in the wardwantto see a total overhaul of city council in this years election, and say goodbye to ThomasSteen.

• NicoleSquiers, 51

I dont even know whySteenis running again, saidSquiers, who lives on Martin Avenue. He still has to appear before court and I know hes innocent until proven guilty but the damage is done.Its almost a moot point because he hasnt represented our ward well anyways.

• Craig Tanner, 24

I would like to see city council gutted and replaced, said Tanner, who lives on Henderson Highway. Under Sam Katz its been bogged down by corruption and lack of vision and I hope whoever comes in will have a plan to establish more accountability.

Tanner points to the lack of community clubs and general maintenance for parks and roads.

They closed the main community club in Elmwood years ago and built a new one in East Kildonan. If you look around here the roads are worn down and playgrounds are run down, he said.

• Ken Geddert, 49

Has never had an issue with Steen but he can attest to the condition of parks and playgrounds.

The park behind my house is terrible, said Geddert, who lives on Harbison Avenue. Its not an issue of litter because the people who live here treat it well but the city does nothing to maintain it.

• Allison Adams, 25

Lives on Union Avenue and hasnt pledged support to any candidate.

I will vote but I havent decided yet.They all have good points and bad points but I want someone who will focus on important issues, she said.

• Mark Hill, 49

Thinks crime is an issue in this ward based on the fact that teenagers have tried to break into his house three times in the past six months. He says the root of the problem is police not monitoring the streets at night.

I feel safe for me but not for my wife or my stuff, said Hill, whos gone to extreme lengths to protect his house on Carmen Avenue.

They need more cops out surveying the area and talking to these kids and asking them why theyre out at three in the morning.

Tanner, however, believesElmwood-EastKildonanhas an undeserved bad reputation.

A lot of people think its a violent area but its just like any other end of the city, he said. Theres been car break-ins, but if you stay away from trouble you wont get into trouble.