For two Winnipeg mayoral candidates, the wheels on the bus go round and round this election campaign.
"It's a heck of a lot easier to bring people to the campaign office and load them up on the bus,” said Gord Steeves, in front of bus with his face on the side. “It's a lot more fun for people, too. The volunteers really like the camaraderie, creating that team atmosphere."
Michael Vogiatzakis had his RV wrapped with his image and the words "Vote Michael Vogiatzakis for Winnipeg mayor" for the campaign and claims his bus hit the road before the one being used by Steeves.
"That candidate is a copycat,” joked Vogiatzakis. “This was my idea and a little while later he came out with his own bus, but of course, this is the original and it's a campaign bus.”
"I honestly did not know that Mike had a bus, but if he does, good for him and maybe someday I'll hit him up for a ride in his bus and I'll reciprocate and he can come for a cruise on mine,” said Steeves when told of Vogiatzakis comments.
Other candidates for mayor couldn’t resist getting in on the fun.
"Gord actually said he parked in the premier's spot,” quipped Brian Bowman, who doesn’t have a campaign bus. “He parked in the premier's spot apparently. I think he might be getting ahead of himself."
People who donate to campaigns in the civic election can apply to get a rebate from the city for up to 75 per cent of their donation.
Paula Havixbeck doesn’t think campaign buses are the best use of what she considers to be public funds.
"I know, in running our campaign, we're trying to make the best use of every dollar we get, because it is still viewed as taxpayers' money,” said Havixbeck.
Vogiatzakis already owned his RV and only paid for the advertising on the side. The Steeves campaign rents their bus.
"There's different ways of doing these things in terms of advertising. Ours is on the side of a bus,” said Steeves.
With the Oct. 22 voting day looming, it’s pedal to the metal for candidates in the race for the driver’s seat at city hall.
