Tory candidate touted as next leader
Winnipeg Free Press
Friday, November 11th, 2005
By Mia Rabson
SOME Manitoba voters will be headed to the polls this holiday season regardless of what happens with the political showdown in Ottawa.
Premier Gary Doer yesterday called the byelection for Fort Whyte for
Dec. 13.
The election was precipitated by the September resignation of Tory MLA John Loewen. He announced he is seeking the Liberal nomination for the federal riding of Charleswood St. James.
Doer said he didn't want the vote to be held while the legislature was sitting so he called it for the first available Tuesday after the house rises for Christmas break Dec. 8. Byelections and general elections have to be held on a Tuesday in Manitoba.
The Liberals are running University of Manitoba neuroscience professor Jean Paterson, while the Tories are putting forth political operative Hugh McFadyen
McFadyen is also being highly touted as a possible successor to Tory Leader Stuart Murray, who is expected to announce Monday whether he will seek re-election as leader or step down.
The NDP has a nomination meeting scheduled for Nov. 15.
Both Paterson and McFadyen said traffic problems in the riding will be a key issue. Paterson lives in one of the 27 homes already built in the Waverley West subdivision, and said she would like to see the province work with the city of Winnipeg to develop a responsible traffic flow plan.
She said she's knocked on over 3,000 doors since being nominated and traffic, education and health care are the three main issues for voters.
Paterson, 61, has taught neuroscience at the U of M for over 27 years.
"I bring three decades of work listening to people and solving problems,"
she said.
McFadyen, 38, is a lawyer by training but a political aide by trade. He was a senior advisor to former Premier Gary Filmon for three years, and most recently was a senior policy advisor for Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz.
McFadyen has helped run or been the manager of 16 political campaigns, but this is the first time his name is on the lawn signs.
"I've been around the block a few times," he said.
McFadyen said it bothers him when people say he is going to win.
"You just can't take voters for granted," he said. "These elections need to be earned."
mia.rabson@freepress.mb.ca