Former Transcona councillor who hit ‘rock-bottom’ wants job back

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This article was published 31/08/2022 (749 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Former Transcona city councillor Russ Wyatt wants his old job back.

After representing Transcona from 2002 until 2018, Wyatt stepped away from politics for four years.

He registered to take a run at reclaiming the council seat Thursday, explaining that he felt compelled to ensure the ward gets its proper share of city investment.

“In Transcona, we have a lot of new development going on, a lot of revenues coming into city hall and I just feel we’re not getting our fair share of infrastructure dollars coming back. There’s some major investments that need to happen,” Wyatt said.

Struggles in Wyatt’s personal life sparked headlines during his last term. He took a leave from council in January 2018 to seek addictions treatment, then returned in May of that year.

In July 2018, he was charged with sexual assault. The charge was stayed in 2019; he maintained his innocence throughout.

“In 2018, 2019 I hit my rock-bottom. I hit my rock-bottom and I had to deal with the demons in my life… I was coping with depression for over 35 years, undiagnosed depression until then, brought on by the fact that I was living my life as a closeted gay man, pretending to be straight. And now I am my true self,” he said.

”I’m single and I am openly and happy to be a proud gay man and I’m finally living my life as I was born to live it.”

He said he has hired a ghost writer for a book about his experiences, which he hopes to release by next summer.

“I want the book to be able to give hope to people who are struggling, whether it be with addiction, mental health or what have you, and to say that you can get through tough things in your life and come out the other side,” he said.

He said his addictions treatment was successful and he’s now “free of substances.”

If his campaign is successful, Wyatt plans to push forward several projects, including the Edward Schreyer Parkway north and south, and the East of the Red Rec Plex, while also creating a large public market for locally grown food.

He said he’d also advocate that council “defend, not defund” police, and aim to add more officers and cadets.

“I think we need enough officers to be able to do foot patrols,” he said.

Wyatt said he considered running for mayor but chose to compete for a council seat instead so he can have more time with his son.

“I would love to be the mayor of the city one day and I have passion, in terms of ideas.… However, I’m also a single dad and I have a 15-year-old son (and) I think it’s important to have a father in his life,” he said.

The ward’s incumbent councillor, Shawn Nason, and Steve Lipischak have also registered bids to represent Transcona.

The civic election will take place Oct. 26.

Joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga