Radio host, columnist Anderson running for council seat at city hall

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This article was published 09/08/2022 (825 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A longtime Winnipeg media personality has decided to run for city council in the upcoming municipal election.

Hal Anderson, who works for 680 CJOB and writes columns for the Winnipeg Sun, made the announcement Wednesday morning live on his daily radio show.

He will run in the Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood ward.

“I’ve talked on radio, television and in the Winnipeg Sun about our city’s issues and possible solutions,” Anderson said on the air. “I’ve always thought about running for political office to be a difference-maker, and that’s why I feel the timing is right for me… to roll up my sleeves and get things done.”

Anderson has worked in broadcasting for nearly four decades and has spent most of that time in Winnipeg, he said.

He describes himself as a “common-sense councillor” willing to hear people out and consider simple solutions at city hall, where there is “lots of talk and not a whole lot of action.”

“There has not been enough listening and communicating and co-operating and working together,” he told the Free Press during a phone interview. “I think things get too complicated and too confusing at times, and we spend too much time doing studies. Maybe we can just work together and come up with a solution.”

Anderson’s interest in politics dates back to his youth when he was a teen council member in his hometown of Picture Butte, Alta.

He has been considered running for more than a year and was further encouraged by the sudden death of his 84-year-old mother.

“It just made me realize, man, life is really short,” Anderson said.

When the ward’s current representative, Kevin Klein, announced he was running in Winnipeg’s mayoral race last Thursday, Anderson felt the stars aligned.

Currently, local real estate agent Brad Gross is the only other candidate registered to compete for the seat.

Wednesday was officially Anderson’s last show on 680 CJOB, although he may return to the radio if his campaign is unsuccessful, he said.

“I hate that I’m coming off the radio… I’m not leaving because I don’t love what I do. I’m leaving because this is a new chapter,” he said. “I just feel like it’s time for me to get to work.”

Before he left, Anderson endorsed Klein as his choice for mayor but made it clear he was willing to work with whoever takes the head seat at city hall.

“I will work with whoever is in that big chair, and I will work with every member of council,” he said. “I’m going to talk less… I’m going to listen more, and I’m going to work hard for (residents). If they honour me with their vote, I’m not going to let them down.”

Anderson plans to release more details about his campaign later this week.

The municipal election is Oct. 26.