Winnipeg business person and community philanthropist, Marty Morantz, has announced that he will seek election in the Charleswood-Tuxedo seat for Winnipeg City Council.

Morantz says his top two City issues are improved accountability and infrastructure.

"I believe my career as a lawyer, my education and my life experience will be valuable assets when it comes to solving the very serious problems that affect all citizens   of Winnipeg."

Morantz is a seasoned lawyer and former partner at Levene Tadman LLP in Winnipeg. He is also a veteran businessperson with holdings primarily in multi-unit apartment buildings.

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Morantz and his family are active community philanthropists ‎who have made major contributions to projects like the Saul Morantz Building at the Simkin Centre, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and the University of Winnipeg.

As parents of a special needs child, Marty and Lisa Morantz have also contributed to the construction of the Variety Heritage Adventure Playground at the Forks, Shalom Residences, and have established the Nathan Morantz Respite Care Fund through the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba. Morantz also serves on the board of Community Respite Services and on the Refit Centre Foundation finance and investment committee.

"Building a stronger Winnipeg takes experience and a serious commitment to our community,” says Morantz. “With all the issues we are currently facing, I want voters in Charleswood-Tuxedo to know that I am a constructive problem solver who will work tirelessly to help get this city back on the right track.”

Morantz last ran for office as a PC candidate during the 2011 provincial election ‎where he learned a lot about local issues and concerns.

“After knocking on thousands of doors and listening to residents, I gained a solid understanding of the issues impacting the broader area," says Morantz. “As residents of the ward for nearly 20 years, Lisa and I are raising our sons in a community we are proud to call home.”

Ward issues Morantz supports include:

• Advocating for the extension of the William R. Clement Parkway and twinning of Wilkes to help accommodate continued growth in both the Kenaston retail area and the approved Ridgewood South subdivision in Charleswood;

• Supporting city police, firefighters and emergency services personnel to improve safety on our streets and in our communities;

• Improving fiscal responsibility by negotiating a better funding agreement with the Manitoba government to ensure tax increases are a last resort.

“I’m dedicated to improving a sense of safety on our streets and in our homes, enhancing infrastructure to support future growth, fixing our crumbling streets and back lanes and holding the government responsible for its spending,” says Morantz.