Justin Swandel
| Justin Swandel | |
|---|---|
| Winnipeg City Councillor for St. Norbert | |
|
In office 2005–2014 | |
| Preceded by | John Angus |
| Succeeded by | Janice Lukes |
| Deputy Mayor of Winnipeg | |
|
In office 2008–2014 | |
| Preceded by | Brenda Leipsic |
| Downtown Development Committee Chair (Winnipeg) | |
|
In office 2009–2014 | |
| Preceded by | Mike Pagtakhan |
| Finance Committee Chair (Winnipeg) | |
|
In office 2008–2009 | |
| Preceded by | Mike O'Shaughnessy |
| Succeeded by | Scott Fielding |
| Property and Development Committee Chair (Winnipeg) | |
|
In office 2006–2008 | |
| Preceded by | Peter De Smedt |
| Succeeded by | Scott Fielding |
Justin Swandel is a former city councillor[1] and deputy mayor in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.[2] He was elected to the St. Norbert ward in 2005 after the previous councillor John Angus retired. He became deputy mayor in 2008. Prior to entering the election, Swandel had served as Angus' executive assistant.[3]
Swandel was re-elected in the St. Norbert ward on October 25, 2006. He has a record of being critical of city reports.
Early life and career
Swandel has wide ranging career experience having spent time as a heavy equipment operator, an exporter of used cars, and as an Associate Producer in the music business. He has spent most of his professional life providing treatment foster care to youth with mental health issues that were involved in the criminal justice system. This work provided non custodial situations for individuals who could be managed in the community rather than being incarcerated for reasons beyond their control. Justin was a strong advocate for this cause and often wrestled with government on how best to provide for the needs of this often neglected part of society.
Transit fare increase controversy
In late November 2011, Swandel introduced and helped pass a highly controversial motion at City Hall to raise bus fares by 25 cents. This move was met by harsh criticism due to the fact that Swandel did not consult his constituents on the matter, nor was Winnipeg Transit given any say in the matter.[4] Other city councillors, and in addition Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger, have derided the plan for putting an undue financial burden on lower-income Winnipegers.[5][6]
Electoral record
| Candidate | Total votes | % of total votes |
|---|---|---|
| (x)Justin Swandel | 7,386 | 71.87 |
| Glenda Whiteman | 2,891 | 28.13 |
| Total valid votes | 10,277 | 100.00 |
| Candidate | Total votes | % of total votes |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Swandel | 1,868 | 30.44 |
| Marcel Laurendeau | 1,681 | 27.39 |
| Rick Thiessen | 874 | 14.24 |
| Robert Page | 453 | 7.38 |
| Catriona Younger | 397 | 6.47 |
| Allan Bruinooge | 382 | 6.22 |
| Rick Lowey | 355 | 5.78 |
| Pam Hayward-Remple | 127 | 2.07 |
| Total valid votes | 6,137 | 100.00 |
References
- ↑ "Council : St. Norbert". Winnipeg.ca (UD). Retrieved 25 March 2011.
- ↑ Sinclair Jr., Gordon (March 19, 2011). "Who's really at fault in the mayor's accident?". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved 25 March 2011.
- ↑ "Deputy Mayor Justin Swandel - About Justin". Justin Swandel. Retrieved 25 March 2011.
- ↑ "Bus fares could rise 25 cents". Winnipegfreepress.com. Retrieved 2 January 2015.
- ↑ "Method or madness to Swandel's transit increase?". Winnipegfreepress.com. Retrieved 2 January 2015.
- ↑ "City surprises with big transit hike". Winnipeg Sun. Retrieved 2 January 2015.