Manitoba Election 2016

Bob Krul - Tuxedo

1. Why did you decide to run in the 2016 Manitoba election?

We are moving into the riding in a few months and wanted to learn more about the politics in the area. The City of Winnipeg is going through some big transitions in the Tuxedo area given the redevelopment of Kapyong Barracks, Kenaston Commons, Waverley West and the Assiniboine Park.  I feel that this is a big opportunity to help re-define the City and the Province while maintaining a balanced lifestyle for those living in the area.

2. What experience will you bring to complement your role as MLA?

I have some business experience to bring to the conversation,  having owned and managed both industrial, retail and distribution businesses along with the start-up of several small businesses. I went through University studying the Political Process and have had extensive International travel that brings perspective to these changes in our City and Province. My latest business venture is with harvesting Boreal Forest herbs and berries with Northern harvesters so development in the Province is of strong interest to me at the moment.

3. Is there anything in particular you would like to change in our province? In your electoral division?

I would like to see a much better interaction between the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba. There should be much more involvement with the two levels of government but moreso a complete 10-25 year plan for the Province and the City since both entities seem to be dependent on the same group of inhabitants. This disjointed communication is the cause of many poor results within the Province including infrastructure developments, high taxation and bad business decisions that are impacting the growth and Development of the Province. The results are obvious – high poverty, high debt, poor infrastructure, poor health care, poor management of the environment and poor cost controls.

4. What key issue(s) / topic(s) would like to stand for in your role as MLA, and why is it important to you?

Higher transparency,  more communication, more planning and more accountability. Limit the terms for politicians and keep our children and seniors active in the community. Make government less obvious and more strategic.

5. What is one thing in particular that you value about the electoral division that you wish to represent?

There is a good balance of lifestyle and work in the community but there could be a better cultural balance for the City of Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba given the space allocation and centrepiece position of our green space. Also, there is a very high income concentration in this riding but it does not translate into a City benefit outside of Tuxedo. That is a shame as Tuxedo could lead the Province in demonstrating Green community infrastructure.

6. Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

As a Green Party candidate, it would seem polar opposite to the interests of Tuxedo residents. But underneath the stout conservative values, comes a desire to be good stewards of the economy and the environment. So I am very heartened by the quality of the Tuxedo residents and the supportive responses to the questions around development of Tuxedo. I hope to be a supportive member of the community with those who consider Tuxedo as more well rounded and contributing to the growth of the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba within a strong, healthy Canada.