Judy Wasylycia-Leis kicks off mayoral campaign

Winnipeg's latest candidate for mayor came out swinging today, saying she wants to fix the city's ailing infrastructure and restore people's pride in the city and its officials.

Judy Wasylycia-Leis kicked off her campaign surrounded by supporters on Tuesday morning, less than a day after she submitted her candidacy papers at city hall.

The former NDP MP and MLA promised to establish independent oversight for major city projects, citing recent controversies related to the construction of fire stations and the new police headquarters.

"Enough of the fire hall fiascos, and cost overruns on the police headquarters, and backroom deals that take money from your pockets," she said to cheers from the crowd.

"We will have an accountable, transparent, ethical city hall."

Wasylycia-Leis also pledged to fix crumbling roads, water mains and other infrastructure while maintaining taxes, saying any tax increases would be tied to the rate of inflation.

This is Wasylycia-Leis's second bid for the mayor's job. She came in second to current Mayor Sam Katz in the last civic election in 2010.

Voters will go to the polls on Oct. 22 to elect a mayor and council.

Also running for mayor this time around are Brian Bowman, Michel Fillion, Paula Havixbeck, Robert Falcon-Ouellette, Gord Steeves and Mike Vogiatziakis.

Katz has not yet indicated if he will seek re-election.