Right in the centre - Some things just don’t work. Why?

Ken Waddell
Neepawa Banner & Press

In nearly 60 years of observing government and business, I have seen a lot of things that just don’t seem to work out. What triggered that thought was the story this week about the sports complex at Kapyong base in Winnipeg. It has been out of use for 10 years now and yet it was deemed to be one of the best facilities in the City of Winnipeg. It has fallen into such as state of disrepair that it may never be used again. It’s sad, especially when good sports facilities are needed so badly.

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My perspective - Making mushrooms

Kate Jackman - Atkinson
Neepawa Banner & Press

We’ve all heard about the mushroom treatment, “Keep them in the dark and feed them [manure].” I wonder if this is the philosophy our current provincial government is following? If they get their way, Manitobans will have to work a lot harder to be well informed about the issues that impact their lives and communities. Two bills currently before the legislature, Bill 8, The Government Notices Modernization Act, and Bill 19, The Planning Amendment Act, will make significant changes to the process by which governments must notify the public about changes at local and provincial levels.

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My perspective - Driven to destruction

Kate Jackman-Atkinson
Neepawa Banner & Press

Across rural Manitoba, residents are concerned about safety. They’re concerned about the ability of the RCMP and local police forces to effectively tackle issues such as property crimes and illegal drugs, in the face of stretched budgets and competing demands on their time. They’re looking for support from government. The provincial government has introduced new legislation aimed a keeping us safe, but not in the way that many Manitobans, especially those in rural areas, are looking for. Last week, Bill 17 received first reading.

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Right in the centre - Manitoba Hydro is in a big mess

Ken Waddell
Neepawa Banner & Press

Manitoba Hydro is in a very bad place right now, but it has little to do with last week’s resignation of most of the board. The board was appointed by the current PC government and they say they came to a point where they couldn’t get action from the government on many key issues. As a result they resigned.

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My perspective - Past, present and future

Kate Jackman - Atkinson
Neepawa Banner & Press

This year should be a good one if you’re interested in local history. While 2017 may have been full of national historical celebrations, something special is coming to Neepawa this summer. The History of Neepawa Businesses is expected to hit bookshelves this June and for it, three local historians have combined forces to put together the most comprehensive chronicle of Neepawa’s business history.

Read more: My perspective - Past, present and future