Winnipeg candidate defends using campaign money on ward events

Point Douglas Coun. Mike Pagtakhan, who is running for re-election, told CBC's Information Radio Tuesday that lastFriday's news conference to open Dufferin Park was the culmination of a project he had worked on for eight years.

"Last Friday was a celebration of the achievement of all that work," he said.

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When asked whether the event was ward business or a campaign event, he said"It's strictly my business as a city councillor for the area and I believe it's our job as city councillors to stay informed with our constituents."

But later, Pagtakhan admitted part of the event was paid for with funds he had raised for his re-election campaign.

"You know what, I had a little bit of a sort of a meal with the students afterwards, a snack, and that was paid for with my own campaign funds that I raised as a candidate," he said. "That was something I wanted to do."

There are no rules currently restricting incumbent candidates from making spending announcements during an election campaign. However, there is a 90-day blackout period prior to election day for sitting ministers in a provincial campaign.

Pagtakhan said in fact, he was doing the same thing at an announcement Tuesday to break ground for a new community playground and park development at King Edward School, using his campaign funds to pay for at least part of the event.

Asked why the announcement wasn't held earlier, or why he wouldn't step away from attending, Pagtakhan defended himself.

"What's important here is, this is a project lead by myself, the local councillor," he said. "I recognize the fact that there's a civic election, but we still have regular meetings of council."

The muddying of the waters between ward and campaign events was raised Monday by a first-time candidate in North Kildonan.

Library technician Evan Comstock is running against incumbent Jeff Browaty and took issue with Browaty's announcement of more than half a million dollars in improvements to the ward's Chornick Park.

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Pagtakhan said he's not sure where the line should be when it comes to campaign spending on local announcements.

"That's a good question," he said, adding:"I think what's important is, I made a decision to want to pay out of my campaign funds. It's as simple as that. I thought that was appropriate."

Pagtakhan said it may be an issue for the next mayor and council to decide.

But he said councillorshave a right and in fact a duty to keep their constituents in the loop.

"We are city councillors up until the new council is sworn in in early November," he said.