L to R: Derek Capri, Brian Wachko, Mike Watson, Theresa Voelpel, Craig Hodkinson

Mayor Mike Watson
Phone: (204) 781-1183
Email: Mike.Watson@eaststpaul.com

Mike Watson is the Mayor of the Rural Municipality of East St. Paul.

A resident of East St. Paul for more than 12 years, Mike is proud to call the community home. He believes East St. Paul is a special place to live, work and raise a family, and is committed to preserving the community's unique character while planning responsibly for its future.

Mike brings nearly 30 years of experience in business management, finance and operations. Throughout his career, he has held senior financial and management positions, including working as a Controller for two Winnipeg hotels and two large Winnipeg-based companies, each employing more than 250 people.

For over nine years, Mike has owned and operated Central Products and Foods Ltd., a Winnipeg-based food distribution business. Through his business experience, he has developed a strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, operational planning, accountability and the importance of making informed decisions.

Mike has also served as a member of the Manitoba Public Utilities Board, providing him with additional experience in public service, governance and financial oversight.

As Mayor, Mike is committed to open and transparent communication, responsible financial management, thoughtful planning and ensuring that residents have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their community.

His priorities include protecting East St. Paul's established character, ensuring future development is supported by appropriate infrastructure, maintaining responsible municipal finances and strengthening public confidence in municipal government.

Mike looks forward to working collaboratively with Council, municipal administration, community organizations and residents to build a strong, sustainable future for East St. Paul.

Ward 1 Councillor Derek Capri
Phone: (204) 813-5387
Email: Derek.Capri@eaststpaul.com

Ward 2 Councillor Brian Wachko
Phone: Coming soon!
Email: Brian.Wachko@eaststpaul.com

Ward 3 Councillor Theresa Voelpel
Phone: Coming soon!
Email: Theresa.Voelpel@eaststpaul.com

Theresa is a wife, mother of one, stepmom to three, and fur mom to two. 

Theresa brings a diverse professional background. Throughout her career, she has worked alongside senior executives, legal counsel in the private and federal sectors, and elected officials at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government. Her experience spans policy research, legislative and administrative processes, contract management, project coordination, budgeting, and development-related matters. This background provides her with a practical understanding of governance, accountability, and responsible decision-making.

Beyond her professional life, her family roots in farming and the medical field, has awarded her a deep appreciation for hard work, community, and caring for others. An avid animal and nature lover she spent a large part of her childhood on the family farm, she has welcomed a wide variety of animals into her life over the years.

In her spare time, she enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, camping, fishing, hiking, and relaxing around a bonfire with family and friends. A former provincial choir member, painter, and lifelong creative spirit, Theresa also has a strong appreciation for the arts and the role they play in bringing communities together.

Theresa believes that thoughtful development, transparency, meaningful resident engagement, and collaboration are essential to building a strong and prosperous community. She is committed to ensuring municipal decisions are reflective of residents' needs. 

Her priorities include protecting the qualities that make East St. Paul unique while responsibly planning for opportunities future generations will need.

Ward 4 Councillor Craig Hodkinson
Phone: Coming soon!
Email: Craig.Hodkinson@eaststpaul.com