For the first time in 17 years, the River Heights-Fort Garry ward will have a new councillor at City Hall, as John Orlikow decided not to run again. One of the three candidates vying to replace him is very familiar with the job. Georgina Sabesky has been Orlikow’s longtime executive assistant. “I think what it gives me is a good understanding of this community, and what this community’s priorities and wants and needs are,” Sabesky said. Sabesky says one of the wants and needs is clearing up gridlock. She’s in favour of widening Kenaston Boulevard to curb cut-through traffic on residential streets. “It is creating a dangerous and difficult situation,” Sabesky said. “People are driving angry because they’re frustrated because they can’t get where they want to go.” Jorge Requena Ramos says Kenaston Boulevard needs to be fixed, but not widened. The project sparked his interest in organizing with his neighbours. His house was one of the properties in the pathway of the expansion. “It is really bad economically for our city, and how much it would cost us in our taxes for a long time in the future,” said Requena Ramos. Requena Ramos is the artistic and executive director of the West End Cultural Centre. He wants to make the city more inclusive and interesting. “I have a seven-year-old son that I hope chooses Winnipeg as his home when the time comes. I know I chose Winnipeg as my home,” Requena Ramos said. Sara MacArthur also has experience at City Hall. The general manager of Camp Stephens, who has a master’s degree in city planning, was a policy analyst in the Sam Katz administration. “I would spend every Wednesday in the mayor’s office watching. I characterize it as the good, the bad and the ugly of how municipal decisions are made, and I’m hoping to bring a lot more of the good.” To bring that good, MacArthur would establish a community safety forum within 90 days of taking office. “Boots on the ground initiatives, neighbourhood watch programs, that aren’t really being taken up in this neighbourhood,” MacArthur said. “So, I think that’s another opportunity as well.”
