Masi is ready to get to work on City Council

Joe Masi is beyond thrilled to have a seat on Portage la Prairie's city council. 

Masi is no stranger to politics, serving time with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, and has served on boards such as the Manitoba Rural Economic Development Board over the years. That being said, this is his first time running for city council.

Masi believes crime and economic development will be a big focus for this term.

"The safety and crime issue was heard loud and clear, and I think the current people that are going to be in, the next four years, are going to take that seriously, " says Masi. "Economic development, trying to get small business here and to make sure that we get businesses coming to Portage la Prairie want to stay and be part of our community. We (need to) continue to be a welcoming community and (we need to) make sure that all the non-profits and organizations, that work to help make our city a welcoming city, have the resources they need."

Masi received 1797 votes on election night and says it was humbling to have the support of the community. He says the city has put their faith in him and he will not let them down. Looking to the rest of council, Masi says it looks to be a great team.

"I feel great. I know them all fairly well," says Masi. "For me, a lot of what being an elected official is about, is the passion and the caring for your community and every one of these people have that. I know that, I've talked to them, they are in this for the betterment of Portage la Prairie. We are going to have a great council going forward and I'm just so pleased that they're going to be part of it."

Masi was very active during the campaign, trying to talk to as many people as possible. He says the door-knocking was particularly enjoyable as he got to meet many people in the community. Masi notes, Portagers are frank and up-front about what's on their mind. He appreciates this, and wants people to know he will do what he can to better the city for them.

Masi thanks his supporters, his family and his friends, and says he will work as hard as he can on behalf of the people of Portage. He is excited to be able to show some great results in four year's time.