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“It makes a big difference (running against a fellow incumbent),” said Dobson, also first elected in 2014. “You’re running against someone who also has a reputation in the area. You’re not just defending your record but also have to go against another one.”

Dobson estimates 42% of the old St. Charles ward was absorbed into St. James.

“Running against two incumbents is a huge challenge,” said Morton. “But at the same time, it means that I’m the only fresh voice. If people are sick of what is going on at City Hall, then a vote for me is a vote for change, a vote for a new progressive voice for St. James.”

Morton said he is trying to run a positive campaign without criticizing either of his opponents.

“I’m not running because I want to get into politics as some people I find do with municipal politics,” said Morton. “I’m running because I care about this city and I want to change it and I feel this is the best way to have that impact.”

Photo by Handout / SunMedia

Crime and road repairs are big issues in the ward although Dobson also is pushing for more openness and transparency at City Hall. Morton would like to see improvements in Winnipeg Transit and the bike lanes to encourage residents to seek alternatives to taking their cars on the road.

But one issue where there is clear difference between the three candidates is with the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, set to go into the former Vimy Arena.

Dobson is strongly opposed to the centre while Gillingham voted in favour of transferring the land to the province for the treatment centre and stands by his decision. Morton said he fully supports the centre but disagrees with the lack of public consultation for the sale and that the land should have been sold for market value with the money invested into local recreation projects such as renovating the St. James Civic Centre.