When Dino Rudniski first spoke with the News about his run for mayor, he expressed fear he wouldn’t be able to handle the position of mayor.
“I'm almost like, ‘Oh, I hope I don't win.’”
Now, Rudniski told the News in an email that his initial uncertainty came from concerns about the tasks of mayor, like reading through agendas to chair meetings. He said the fear was about lacking the necessary skills.
Since announcing his bid, Rudniski said his perspective has evolved.
“The positive feedback and support I’ve received have further reinforced my decision to fully commit to running for mayor,” he said in the email.
Rudniski is likely known to most for his Facebook forums such as Yukon Events Network and Yukon Activities. In fact, since announcing his run, he’s been posting polls on some of these pages dealing with everything from policy for building height limits to burlesque dancing.
Rudniski started the Facebook forum Yukon Events Network in 2013. He shares events individually, and also as a newsletter called the Yukon Post.
“Rather than building a website for people individually, I created a spot online where I'm helping out everyone,” said Rudniski.
When he started the forum, Rudniski was working full-time at the Alpine Bakery. At Yukon College, Rudniski was a student for many years and achieved a certificate.
Rudniski said he was also heavily involved with the students’ union at the college during his time there. He said they petitioned for city busses to run later at night and on Sundays.
Before he went to college, he worked in construction. On the job, once, he said he had a near-death experience, which transformed his life.
“Before then I was like, this jock that really pushed himself around,” said Rudniski. “And after that, I was, like, listening to the Dalai Lama, the stages of dying...”
Over a week after the initial interview, Rudniski emailed the News an updated platform, which spans 12 pages.
According to the document, Rudniski would re-assess the 40 km/hr speed limit on Second and Fourth avenues and dismantle an unspecified roundabout in Riverdale, as well as the bike lane along Chilkoot Way.
He said he would also digitize permit processes. Also, he would create a volunteer service app for on-demand snow shovelling, with volunteers receiving credits from participating businesses.
He said he would also create an app to streamline raffles and fundraising for nonprofits and schools.
He also has a list of seven priority areas: community engagement, sustainable urban development, transportation infrastructure such as city transit and active transit, economic growth and innovation, environmental stewardship, health and well-being, transparency and accountability.
Aubin Tuzlak said he met Rudniski in high school. He said Rudniski is creative, has an open mind and is willing to do what people want.
He said Rudniski is easy to speak to and willing to listen. “I think he's a pretty friendly guy,” said Tuzlak.
“I think even if I don't get elected, I'm going to do the things that I'm going to do, because I don't believe, like you actually need to get elected to do anything,” said Rudniski.
Contact Talar Stockton at talar.stockton@yukon-news.com
