This is an opportunity for ordinary people to be heard.


We asked six people to be our citizen commentators during the campaign. Each chose an issue they believe in passionately. You'll hear from them between now and the week of the election, and we encourage you to react by adding your comments.

Happy Trails to You.

October 3, 2011

So the election is in the last hours or its campaign. Still no real mention of infrastructure and not a lot of real campaign promises. If there were promises they are nothing that we haven't already heard. It will be interesting to see how things turn out, hopefully we all get out to cast a vote.
 
As for infrastructure it was a virtual non event this election, I anticipated more discussion but in today's busy world for everyone its hard to focus on one issue when there are so many that need attention. Just because I've been discussing infrastructure problems in the province doesn't mean that medicare, crime and any other issues shouldn't be at the forefront of the election campaigns.

Being in profession I'm in makes me a real advocate of extra attention to the crime problems plaguing in Manitoba. Long wait times in the emergency rooms across the province and a justice system that gives six years in jail to a murderer should be issues at the front of the line and I recognize that. Crumbling infrastructure in Manitoba is an issue I'm sure it's just not up there with the big cats that do really need the attention and from what I can tell they have been getting.
 

In an ironic twist to the past few weeks of seemingly endless complaints from my blog, we were coming home last night driving on Highway 10 north and then south of Brandon. Our newborn was very upset while driving on the newer Highway 16 that divides Minnedosa and Neepawa. Once we turned onto the very different conditions of Highway 10 he was put right to sleep. I actually commented at the time that the poor conditions of the highway actually helped us. I suppose that goes to show that there is always a silver lining to be found in otherwise negativity.
 
In the end, infrastructure didn't amount to much of an election topic but I for one will always be keeping an eye on the conditions out here and whenever possible adding my two cents on any stories that are initiated by them. Hopefully the municipalities, councils and stake holders around the province will keep the issue in their board rooms and on their council meeting agendas. It's money spending so it's safe to say that infrastructure will always be on agendas everywhere. It's impossible to predict but let's hope that mother nature also cooperates so we can get roads fixed and homes and property can be protected.

I'm no economist and I'm no politician but it doesn't seem like rocket science to save for a rainy day. The government needs to improve in this area as its clear that this past spring's floods took the government by surprise as much of the damage has yet to be repaired. Like some of the roads we drive on this is not acceptable. Take care out there.