Shawn Nason breaks through 8-candidate race to win Transcona
Replaces longtime councillor Russ Wyatt, who did not run for re-election
Shawn Nason will be the new councillor in Winnipeg's Transcona ward, coming out the winner in a crowded eight-way race.
Nason teared up when one of his campaign officials announced the news Wednesday night, saying it's been an emotional three months of walking, talking and eating neighbourhood politics.
"It's the longest job interview one could ever have and to get the news that you got the job, it's emotional," he said.
When asked if he thought he would win, he said, "I had inklings but you're never sure."
Nason is currently on leave from his job as special legislative assistant to Indigenous and Northern Relations Minister Eileen Clark. He previously worked for former Conservative Elmwood-Transcona MP Lawrence Toet.
He has 10 years of experience running political campaigns behind the scenes and has strong Conservative ties. He admitted after the federal Tories lost the last election he almost wanted to quit politics — a move he's glad he didn't make.
"It's something that excites me. It's something that I'm passionate about."
Nason said he walked 50 kilometres around Transcona the last two days, doing last-minute campaign work.
"Hard work this time paid off."
Nason lives in the ward with his wife and two kids. He's a hockey, football and basketball coach and has worked in information technology and project management.
Replaces Wyatt
The new councillor will replace longtime councillor Russ Wyatt, who announced in September he wouldn't seek another term.
Wyatt was charged with sexual assault in July, and spent months away from council undergoing addictions treatment earlier this year.
Wyatt, who was first elected in the ward in 2002, has said he's innocent and plans to defend himself in court on the sexual assault charge.
In the absence of an incumbent for the first time in 16 years, eight people ran for the Transcona seat, making it the city's most crowded council race.
The other candidates were Alex Allard, Basil Evan, Shane Geschiere, Steven Lipischak, Sandeep Sharma, Raymond Ulasy and Wally Welechenko.
Nason was well ahead with 5,247 votes (37%) to second-place finisher Welechenko's 2,345 (16.5%).
Larry Thompson, who was born and raised in Transcona, said he hopes the new councillor for his ward will make safety a top priority.
"I know Transcona is like any other little community. We do have some crime issues here, and the more you see police, the more it's a bit of a deterrent," he said.
Thompson, a former police officer, said he was happy with Wyatt's time as councillor. He said whenever he had an issue 311 wouldn't address, he would contact Wyatt's office directly to get action.
Nason will likely have to deal with the issue of the proposed eastern rapid transit corridor, which would connect downtown and Transcona.
The East Transitway has been identified as the next priority for rapid transit development in the city once work is complete on Phase 2 of the Southwest Transitway, which is scheduled to be done in 2020.
Transcona, the city's easternmost ward, saw its boundaries change slightly this year — the former St. Boniface ward neighbourhoods of Dugald, Southland Park, St. Boniface Industrial Park and Symington Yards were moved into Transcona under this year's ward boundary changes.
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