John Prystanski
Encyclopedia
John Prystanski is a former city councillor in Winnipeg
, Manitoba
, Canada
. He represented the north-end ward of Point Douglas from 1989 to 2002.
in the 1989 municipal election
, defeating incumbent councillor Terry Wachniak. He was still in his mid-20s at the time of his first election, and worked with the City of Winnipeg streets and transportation department.
He was on the right-wing of council. He was appointed to the board of the Winnipeg Enterprises Corp. shortly after the election. Re-elected in 1992
, he was chosen over Glen Murray the following year to serve on Winnipeg's safe city committee. Some women's groups expressed concern that he was not sufficiently sensitive to their concerns. He also chaired an ad hoc committee that sought to win tax credits for Winnipeg residents who renovate older homes.
Prystanski was appointed to the Planning and Community Services Committee in 1993. The following month, he and Glen Murray were the only two councillors to vote against spending $30,000 on a bid for the 1995 Grey Cup
.
Prystanski represented one of Winnipeg's lowest-income areas. In 1993, he called for a crackdown on prostitution through traffic restrictions and greater lighting. On another occasion, he described Winnipeg's licensing system as ineffective in cracking down on underage drinkers. He helped establish the Westland Foundation in 1994, with the intent of providing funding for inner-city projects. He supported the maintenance of historical sites in his ward, and angrily rejected Al Golden
's suggestion that Point Douglas was too dangerous for municipal heritage projects. Prystanski also supported community policing, and threatened a crackdown on local flea market
s in 1995.
Prystanski supported efforts to keep the Winnipeg Jets hockey
team in Winnipeg, and was an early backer of a new arena proposal from the Manitoba Entertainment Complex in 1994-95. In August 1995, he supported a proposed municipal reform to give the Mayor of Winnipeg the ability to cast an extra tie-breaking vote on council. He opposed extending municipal benefits to the partners of same-sex couples in 1994.
Prystanski became a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation
in 1994, citing his mother's heritage in a Métis
family in Ste. Rose du Lac. He described himself as having no party affiliation in a 1995 interview.
in the 1995 municipal election
, who finished a surprisingly strong second against incumbent Susan Thompson
, while Prystanski was easily re-elected in his own ward. He was chosen as deputy speaker of council shortly after the election.
When the City of Winnipeg began looking for a new police chief in late 1995, Prystanski argued that the successful candidate should be committed to community policing and have good relations with visible minority communities. In April 1996, he supported the contracting-out of transit services for persons with disabilities.
Prystanski remained involved with several initiatives intended to address the poverty and challenging living conditions of his ward. He supported unsuccessful efforts to introduce a strict youth curfew
. In June 1996, he asked federal Justice Minister
Allan Rock
to introduce legislation allowing drivers to lose their cars if caught soliciting for prostitution. This plan was rejected in a 1997 municipal report, but was implemented by the provincial government in 1999. In 1998, he supported a plan to ban squeegee kids from Winnipeg's streets.
Some regarded Prystanski's voting record as inappropriate for the representative of a low-income ward, and he was opposed by an ad hoc citizens' group called "It's Our City" in the 1998 election
. He was also targeted by the Canadian Union of Public Employees
. He was nonetheless re-elected, with a narrow victory over rival candidate Pauline Riley. He again endorsed the mayoral candidacy of Peter Kaufmann, who was narrowly defeated by Glen Murray.
Prystanski sought re-election as Deputy Speaker when council reconvened, but was defeated by Harry Lazarenko
. He was subsequently appointed to the Property and Development Committee. In 1999, he led a task force that examined a spate of arsons within his ward. In 2000, he voted in favour of a motion for municipal term limits.
In 2000, Prystanski launched a motorcycle refinishing and parts business called The Chrome Pit. He was later criticized by the media and other councillors for devoting more time to his business than to his duties as a councillor. A 2002 article in the Winnipeg Free Press
indicated that he was often late or absent from council and committee meetings, and rarely turned up at his municipal office. Soon after the article was published, Prystanski indicated that he would not be a candidate in the next election
.
He later supported MaryAnn Mihychuk
in a 2004 mayoral by-election.
motorcycle gang were shown evidence that Prystanski had submitted an application to join the organization. He declined to comment.
Currently, Prystanski is pursuing a law degree at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law. He was recently elected as the Manitoba Aboriginal Law Students Association representative to the Manitoba Law Students Association.
Winnipeg
Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of Manitoba, Canada, and is the primary municipality of the Winnipeg Capital Region, with more than half of Manitoba's population. It is located near the longitudinal centre of North America, at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers .The name...
, Manitoba
Manitoba
Manitoba is a Canadian prairie province with an area of . The province has over 110,000 lakes and has a largely continental climate because of its flat topography. Agriculture, mostly concentrated in the fertile southern and western parts of the province, is vital to the province's economy; other...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. He represented the north-end ward of Point Douglas from 1989 to 2002.
1989-1995
Prystanski was first elected to the Winnipeg City CouncilWinnipeg City Council
The Winnipeg City Council is the governing body of the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.Members represent wards throughout the city, and are known as councillors.-2006-2010:Council elected in the 2006 election:-2010-2014:...
in the 1989 municipal election
Winnipeg municipal election, 1989
The 1989 Winnipeg municipal election was held on October 25, 1989 to elect a mayor, councillors and school trustees in the city of Winnipeg.Bill Norrie was re-elected to a fifth term as mayor without serious opposition.-Councillors:...
, defeating incumbent councillor Terry Wachniak. He was still in his mid-20s at the time of his first election, and worked with the City of Winnipeg streets and transportation department.
He was on the right-wing of council. He was appointed to the board of the Winnipeg Enterprises Corp. shortly after the election. Re-elected in 1992
Winnipeg municipal election, 1992
The 1992 Winnipeg municipal election was held on October 28, 1992 to elect a mayor, councillors and school trustees in the city of Winnipeg.Susan Thompson defeated Greg Selinger in the mayoral contest.-Councillors:...
, he was chosen over Glen Murray the following year to serve on Winnipeg's safe city committee. Some women's groups expressed concern that he was not sufficiently sensitive to their concerns. He also chaired an ad hoc committee that sought to win tax credits for Winnipeg residents who renovate older homes.
Prystanski was appointed to the Planning and Community Services Committee in 1993. The following month, he and Glen Murray were the only two councillors to vote against spending $30,000 on a bid for the 1995 Grey Cup
Grey Cup
The Grey Cup is both the name of the championship of the Canadian Football League and the name of the trophy awarded to the victorious team. It is Canada's largest annual sports and television event, regularly drawing a Canadian viewing audience of about 3 to 4 million individuals...
.
Prystanski represented one of Winnipeg's lowest-income areas. In 1993, he called for a crackdown on prostitution through traffic restrictions and greater lighting. On another occasion, he described Winnipeg's licensing system as ineffective in cracking down on underage drinkers. He helped establish the Westland Foundation in 1994, with the intent of providing funding for inner-city projects. He supported the maintenance of historical sites in his ward, and angrily rejected Al Golden
Al Golden (politician)
Allan Golden is a politician and businessman in Winnipeg, Manitoba.Golden is involved in many business operations, including the St. Vital Hotel and the Transcona Country Club. He entered politics after being encouraged by former Mayor of Winnipeg Stephen Juba, to run in the 1980 mayoral election...
's suggestion that Point Douglas was too dangerous for municipal heritage projects. Prystanski also supported community policing, and threatened a crackdown on local flea market
Flea market
A flea market or swap meet is a type of bazaar where inexpensive or secondhand goods are sold or bartered. It may be indoors, such as in a warehouse or school gymnasium; or it may be outdoors, such as in a field or under a tent...
s in 1995.
Prystanski supported efforts to keep the Winnipeg Jets hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
team in Winnipeg, and was an early backer of a new arena proposal from the Manitoba Entertainment Complex in 1994-95. In August 1995, he supported a proposed municipal reform to give the Mayor of Winnipeg the ability to cast an extra tie-breaking vote on council. He opposed extending municipal benefits to the partners of same-sex couples in 1994.
Prystanski became a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation
Manitoba Métis Federation
The Manitoba Métis Federation is an aboriginal organization in Manitoba, Canada. Its current president is David Chartrand. MMF is an affiliate of the Métis National Council.-History:...
in 1994, citing his mother's heritage in a Métis
Métis people (Canada)
The Métis are one of the Aboriginal peoples in Canada who trace their descent to mixed First Nations parentage. The term was historically a catch-all describing the offspring of any such union, but within generations the culture syncretised into what is today a distinct aboriginal group, with...
family in Ste. Rose du Lac. He described himself as having no party affiliation in a 1995 interview.
1995-2002
Prystanski endorsed the mayoral candidacy of Peter KaufmannPeter Kaufmann (politician)
Peter Kaufmann is a businessman and former municipal politician in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He has been a city councillor and school trustee, and has campaigned for Mayor of Winnipeg on two occasions.-Early life and career:...
in the 1995 municipal election
Winnipeg municipal election, 1995
The 1995 Winnipeg municipal election was held on October 25, 1995 to elect a mayor, councillors and school trustees in the city of Winnipeg.Susan Thompson defeated Peter Kaufmann and Terry Duguid in the mayoral contest.-Councillors:...
, who finished a surprisingly strong second against incumbent Susan Thompson
Susan Thompson
Susan Ann Thompson was the 40th mayor of Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was the first female to serve as mayor of Winnipeg and served two terms as mayor and held this post from 1992 to 1998.Thompson graduated with a BA from the University of Winnipeg in 1971...
, while Prystanski was easily re-elected in his own ward. He was chosen as deputy speaker of council shortly after the election.
When the City of Winnipeg began looking for a new police chief in late 1995, Prystanski argued that the successful candidate should be committed to community policing and have good relations with visible minority communities. In April 1996, he supported the contracting-out of transit services for persons with disabilities.
Prystanski remained involved with several initiatives intended to address the poverty and challenging living conditions of his ward. He supported unsuccessful efforts to introduce a strict youth curfew
Curfew
A curfew is an order specifying a time after which certain regulations apply. Examples:# An order by a government for certain persons to return home daily before a certain time...
. In June 1996, he asked federal Justice Minister
Minister of Justice (Canada)
The Minister of Justice is the Minister of the Crown in the Canadian Cabinet who is responsible for the Department of Justice and is also Attorney General of Canada .This cabinet position is usually reserved for someone with formal legal training...
Allan Rock
Allan Rock
Allan Michael Rock, PC is a lawyer, former Canadian politician, diplomat and now the President of University of Ottawa. He was Canada's ambassador to the United Nations and had previously served in the Cabinet of Jean Chrétien, most notably as Justice Minister and Health Minister .Rock was...
to introduce legislation allowing drivers to lose their cars if caught soliciting for prostitution. This plan was rejected in a 1997 municipal report, but was implemented by the provincial government in 1999. In 1998, he supported a plan to ban squeegee kids from Winnipeg's streets.
Some regarded Prystanski's voting record as inappropriate for the representative of a low-income ward, and he was opposed by an ad hoc citizens' group called "It's Our City" in the 1998 election
Winnipeg municipal election, 1998
The 1998 Winnipeg municipal election was held on October 28, 1998 to elect a mayor, councillors and school trustees in the city of Winnipeg.Centre-left candidate Glen Murray defeated populist right-winger Peter Kaufmann in the mayoral contest.-Councillors:...
. He was also targeted by the Canadian Union of Public Employees
Canadian Union of Public Employees
The Canadian Union of Public Employees is a Canadian trade union serving the public sector - although it has in recent years organized workplaces in the non-profit and para-public sector as well...
. He was nonetheless re-elected, with a narrow victory over rival candidate Pauline Riley. He again endorsed the mayoral candidacy of Peter Kaufmann, who was narrowly defeated by Glen Murray.
Prystanski sought re-election as Deputy Speaker when council reconvened, but was defeated by Harry Lazarenko
Harry Lazarenko
Harry Lazarenko is a former Canadian municipal politician, who represented the Mynarski ward on Winnipeg City Council from 1974 to 1977 and from 1983 to 2010....
. He was subsequently appointed to the Property and Development Committee. In 1999, he led a task force that examined a spate of arsons within his ward. In 2000, he voted in favour of a motion for municipal term limits.
In 2000, Prystanski launched a motorcycle refinishing and parts business called The Chrome Pit. He was later criticized by the media and other councillors for devoting more time to his business than to his duties as a councillor. A 2002 article in the Winnipeg Free Press
Winnipeg Free Press
The Winnipeg Free Press is a daily broadsheet newspaper in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Founded in 1872, as the Manitoba Free Press, it is the oldest newspaper in western Canada. It is the newspaper with the largest readership in the province....
indicated that he was often late or absent from council and committee meetings, and rarely turned up at his municipal office. Soon after the article was published, Prystanski indicated that he would not be a candidate in the next election
Winnipeg municipal election, 2002
The 2002 Winnipeg municipal election was held on October 23, 2002 to elect a mayor, councillors and school trustees in the city of Winnipeg.Glen Murray, the city's centre-left mayor, was re-elected to a second term over challenger Al Golden.-Councillors:...
.
He later supported MaryAnn Mihychuk
MaryAnn Mihychuk
MaryAnn Mihychuk is a former politician from Manitoba, Canada. She was a cabinet minister in the government of New Democratic Premier Gary Doer from 1999 to 2004...
in a 2004 mayoral by-election.
After politics
In 2007, jurors in a trial involving the Hells AngelsHells Angels
The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club is a worldwide one-percenter motorcycle gang and organized crime syndicate whose members typically ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In the United States and Canada, the Hells Angels are incorporated as the Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation. Their primary motto...
motorcycle gang were shown evidence that Prystanski had submitted an application to join the organization. He declined to comment.
Currently, Prystanski is pursuing a law degree at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law. He was recently elected as the Manitoba Aboriginal Law Students Association representative to the Manitoba Law Students Association.