Current Occupation: Labourer RYKO telecommunications, laying underground tv cable and conduit pipe
Voter Information: 581-1804 charleswiebeformayor2012.com
Charles Wiebe for mayor on Facebook twitter@charlestoday charlesformayor@hotmail.com
I have grown up in and around Regina since ’82. I have worked at greenhouse, warehouse, construction, transit driver, bike courier, bike tech, etc. and some post sec ed. Parenting is the most important job and I have tried hard at that since ’93. My campaign is about passion and respect and equality and NOT about mudslinging or lawn signs or expensive suits.
QUESTION AND ANSWER
1. Briefly, why are you running for council?
I am applying for a job where EVERYONE in town decides. This is so exciting because no unjust agenda can beat the will of the majority. I can bring a new kind of honesty, inclusion and friendliness to the position. I want to be a big helpful force in the place where I live and encourage this city to bravely face its problems and smile through the challenge. I am in pursuit of the balance between serving and leading. It doesn’t take a hero, it takes a good listener with broad vision.
2. What is the single most pressing issue facing Regina? How would you solve it?
Lack of involvement from residents and council. Both sides seem disengaged from each other. This is MY problem and going out to stir people’s imaginations and get their great ideas out of them is MY job. Almost 80% of us did not vote last time and I will never call those people lazy(I was one of them). They are a huge majority and they are smart and full of life and they(YOU) will win this election. The results will be unprecedented and spectacular so definitely take your protein pills and put your helmet on Regina!
3. Beyond immediate concerns like housing, the stadium and infrastructure renewal, what “big idea” project do you want to work on that nobody seems to be talking about?
I want to start a local currency called “love notes” (I love Regina, bank notes) to rev up the local economy and push hard to promote the amazing talent, ingenuity and distinctiveness that we have percolating in our city while serving to insulate us from intimidating global market forces.
4. Name something the last council got right.
Raising the treaty 4 and Metis flags was great, however bringing some further substance to the symbolic gesture is in order.
5. Now, point out their biggest mistake.
Denial of the “worst neighborhood in Canada” article and advice to unsubscribe from the publisher was a weak and uninspiring cop-out. We have big problems in north central and we all own them. We need to listen better, co-operate and let the residents of this area lead us to solutions.
6. What are you reading these days?
John Tyerman Williams’ “Pooh and the Philosophers-In which it is shown that all of western philosophy is merely a preamble to Winnie-the-Pooh”
7. Beyond your residence, do you own any property in Regina or in the immediate area?
I rent this cozy shack and my most valuable material assets have 2 wheels and pedals.
* * * * *
FUN QUESTIONS!
1. What is your favourite Regina restaurant?
Slow Food Pub (pretzels!)
2. Who is your favourite Regina artist?
The band called “Molten Lava” completely awesome!
3. What actor would play you in the gritty cable drama, Queen City Hall?
Jeff Goldblum
4. How would your character die?
Trampled by an urban moose on the glorious bricks of the downtown plaza immediately after an astoundingly inspiring speech to thousands of cheering spectators.
* * * * *
PICK A SIDE
Cats or Dogs? dogs
Vampires or Werewolves? werewolves
Boxing or Roller Derby? Roller derby
Steak or Sushi? Steak from a local happy cow
Hill Towers or Legislative Building? Leg
Quance Street or Dewdney Avenue? Dewdney
Artesian or Wascana Park Gazebo? gazebo
Prairie Dog or Richardson Ground Squirrel? Prairie dog
Giant Grasshopper or Stegosaurus? Giant grasshopper
Saskaboom or SaskAdvantage? saskaboom
Bike or Sports Car? bike
Le Macaron or Five Guys? macaron
The Beatles or the Rolling Stones? beatles
* * * * *
BONUS QUESTION: Make up your own question (And answer it, of course!)
Which Regina political reporter looks the most reporter-like? Well with the glasses and hat on, and that permanent and shockingly inquisitive expression on his face, it has to be Paul Dechene!
* * * * *
Find out about all the other people running in this election on our Candidate Profiles page. And follow all of our online election coverage — including interviews, analysis and podcasts — on our Regina City Election 2012 page.