Steve Szego (‘Zay-go), a 44 year-old, married father of two daughters, spent 25 years at Air Canada, the last 5 as Customer Service Manager. Inspired by the service of long time councillor Bill Clement, Steve Szego will seek the opportunity to represent Charleswood/Tuxedo/Whyte Ridge in the upcoming Municipal Election. 

“I respect everything that Bill Clement did for Charleswood/Tuxedo. He worked tirelessly for his constituents. He got people working together to solve local problems and improve our neighbourhoods. That’s the kind of community leader I aspire to become.”  “I hope to gain the opportunity to represent the people of Charleswood/Tuxedo/Whyte Ridge, the community in which I have lived for forty years.” 

Steve has lived in Charleswood for 40 years growing up on Laxdal Road. He attended Royal School, Charleswood High School, and graduated from Shaftesbury High School in 1984. After a year at the University of Manitoba, Steve embarked on a 25 year career with Air Canada where he embraced the role as a front line manager, eager to meet and speak with the public.

For 10 years, Steve served as President of a nonprofit, employee based community organization. He was also involved in part in developing and implementing projects and procedures and was part of a management team responsible for overseeing a 14 million dollar annual budget.

The experience gained presiding on a Board and working in a group setting on projects enables him to be a team oriented leader dedicated to achieving the bottom line without sacrificing core values, and his experience in the customer service industry, he believes, will carry over into office.

“Constituents, after all, should be treated as customers since they should have some say as to where their hard earned tax dollars are being spent. The ward has become a lot more diversified as more and more new families are moving in. New issues will arise and the business sector needs to thrive. I want to be a part of building an even stronger community.”

This is an exciting time for our ward. Change is evident and if given the opportunity to represent Charleswood, Tuxedo and Whyte Ridge, he plans on being accessible, hands-on and representing of all constituents on a full time basis.  When asked about his non partisan stance, “I will ensure that all voices are heard. I don’t think that could happen if you are tied to one wagon.”

“It’s about knowing what our neighbourhoods need…ALL of our neighbourhoods. Understanding the problems, the areas for improvement, sourcing solutions and getting residents involved…It all starts in the community." 

On Crime:
“I firmly believe that involving our children in programs whether it is baseball, hockey, soccer, football, gymnastics, dance, music, etc. is the cornerstone for building the foundations for our youth to develop into confident, driven individuals.  This will keep our children engaged and active and help build and strengthen our community ties as a result.  Funding to help establish and sustain these programs is critical.  It brings people together and fosters a feeling of safety that spreads throughout the community.  I would like to see the restoration of the Community Police offices as well to improve the police presence. Patrolling the neighbourhood areas is a strong deterrent.”

On Infrastructure:
“We have a responsibility to ensure that when utilizing this funding, all avenues are explored. Having the foresight on major projects is a must. Service roads, traffic corridors, environmental impact, future growth potential without disruption to the original are integral.  Build it right the first time. It is disheartening to constituents to see something built only to see deviation a short time later to something that appears secondary.  It leaves the impression that it wasn’t done properly the first time.”

Endorsements:

“Through my experience in dealing with Steve, I am confident he is someone that will bring the commitment and dedication required to serve the constituents of Charleswood/Tuxedo/Whyte Ridge.”
- Mark Chipman, True North Sports and Entertainment
 
“I trust Steve to have the passion required and the best knowledge of the ward. He has been here 40 years and we need someone who represents both the past and the future. I believe he is that person.”
- Leo Feeleus, Charleswood Resident and President of Direct Auto Parts
 
“I’ve had the opportunity to know Steve for a very long time and feel his competitive spirit and genuine zest for the community is exactly what we need to represent us moving forward. ”
- Mike Keane, Tuxedo Resident and Professional Hockey Player 

“Steve Szego is the right fit for this ward. His knowledge of the area, loyalty to the community and his keen sense of what is needed makes him the only choice. His 40 years in Charleswood is truly a life investment.”
- Ted Foreman, Charleswood resident and retired Investors Executive Consultant

Learn more about Steve at www.szego2010.com or contact him at 292-7456 or [email protected] to discuss the issues or to get involved.