Play it again Sam, For old times sake

In a fight for safer streets, Winnipeggers decided to go for the ease of a familiar tune.


On Wednesday night at the downtown Radisson Hotel, morale was sky high on the eleventh floor. The anticipation built, to see if a third term was the charm for Sam Katz. The number of votes between incumbent Sam Katz and opponent Judy Wasylycia-Leis were neck and neck for a while, but at the final count according to Winnipeg polls Sam Katz remains the head of our city with a total of 116,308 votes to Wasylycia-Leis’ 90,913, while Brad Gross sat in third at 3,393 and Rav Gill in last place with 1,175 votes.

 The lights dimmed, and the cheering of proud Katz supporters echoed throughout the packed room; it had the feel of an intimate rock concert.  The song “Eye of the Tiger” from Rocky III bellowed from the speakers, a fitting anthem as Winnipeg’s third time champ as mayor was led by an entourage of  firefighters, to the podium. 

He came out in a robe, punching and kicked a few soccer balls while kids were taken out of harms way.
Ok, so there were was no kids or soccer balls, or Mr. T for that matter saying I pity the fools that lost, but it definitely might have added to it.

 It was however a proud moment for Sam, friends and family and they all got their kicks from it.
The eye of Winnipeg’s tiger had a tear in it, as he addressed his supporters and city.

“Thank-you to all-I guess all Winnipeggers who voted today, so we could keep doing what we do to move Winnipeg forward.”

Mike Sutherland, president of the Winnipeg Police Association is excited about what moving Winnipeg forward will mean, with Katz being re-elected.

“The mayor has always been a strong supporter of police and our fight against crime and the battles we wage on the front lines,” says Sutherland. “By bolstering our strength with the specific and definitive promise of 58 new officers, 19 dispatch personnel and a helicopter on line, as well as cadets we are poised to make a significant dent in our crime rate and change the perception. My members are excited to get out there turn things around.”

Excitement was thick in the air, clapping, and chants of the name Sam filled the room. The mayor squeezes both of his daughters’ hands and assures them that their daddy will be home in the morning, while assuring his supporters that Winnipeg is on its way to becoming a safer and stronger city.

“Overall I think the public liked what yours truly and council have been doing, and want us to continue it, says Katz, regarding his re-election. “Next week Winnipeg will be announced as the best city to invest in and that took us a long time to get there.” Katz will be sworn in, Tuesday.

Rainbow confetti rained from the ceiling, and music played and Katz would continue his reign as mayor; it was truly a celebration.

“I think it’s great that Sam got back in,” says Gord Gage, who is in internet media advertising. “It’s good for the safety, business, and growth of Winnipeg.”  

The concensus of Winnipeg acted as Bogey to say: "Play it again Sam, For old times sake"
 (mayor that is)