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

2006 Winnipeg municipal election, City Councillor, St. Norbert Ward
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
Winnipeg municipal by-election, 14 April 2005, Councillor, St. Norbert
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

  1. "Council : St. Norbert". Winnipeg.ca (UD). Retrieved 25 March 2011.
  2. Sinclair Jr., Gordon (March 19, 2011). "Who's really at fault in the mayor's accident?". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved 25 March 2011.
  3. "Deputy Mayor Justin Swandel - About Justin". Justin Swandel. Retrieved 25 March 2011.
  4. "Bus fares could rise 25 cents". Winnipegfreepress.com. Retrieved 2 January 2015.
  5. "Method or madness to Swandel's transit increase?". Winnipegfreepress.com. Retrieved 2 January 2015.
  6. "City surprises with big transit hike". Winnipeg Sun. Retrieved 2 January 2015.