Election Questionnaire
Why did you decide to run in the 2010 school board election?
On Easter Sunday April 2006 our family experienced first hand what happens when the “system” lets a child down. There was no one from the healthcare system to advocate for our 15 year old son. We placed our faith in the system and he died needlessly from a totally treatable but undiagnosed case of bacterial meningitis. He had been ill for several weeks, lost 50 pounds and had all the classic symptoms yet he was sent home from the emergency ward only to return a couple of days later and was brain dead less than 48 hours after that on his brother’s birthday. In October 2006 with encouragement from families in the community I decided to run and was fortunate to be elected to my first term. This community gave our family support when we needed it most. I want to give back by continuing to be a strong advocate for the children. Many individuals use school trusteeship as a “stepping stone” to kick start their political careers. I do not share this philosophy. I believe our children really “are” our future and we must invest our time and resources very carefully.
What experience will you bring to complement your role as school trustee?
I have:
- Been a long time resident and a committed partner in raising sons John and James (KEC) so my wife, Wendy, could return to her 27-year teaching career in the River East Transcona School Division.
- Regularly attended Parent Advisory Council meetings for 14 years at Mission Gardens Play Centre, John de Graff, Joseph Teres, Valley Gardens, and Kildonan East as a parent, council executive and as a school trustee.
- Served as chair on the Finance Committee for the last 2 years and I’m committed to status quo budgeting obtaining a 0% tax increase for 2010/2011.
- Assisted in negotiations with labour groups – Maintenance, Paraprofessionals, Clerical, Transportation and Library Technicians.
- Served as a member on Programs, Policy Review and Personnel Committee.
- Graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a BA (Honours) Psychology degree and wrote my thesis on developmental child psychology.
What are the major issues you would like to stand for and why did you choose these issues?
We must always be vigilante in our spending and spend where it benefits the students most directly such as in math and reading recovery programs. Our school division has a comprehensive purchasing and tendering policy that is based on both the legislated requirements of the Public Schools Act and industry best practices. We must invest in the long term efficiently. I encouraged a pilot program that is presently reviewing and ensuring that education is relevant for current employment readiness standards. I spearheaded recorded voting and will continue to help ensure accountability and transparency in the Board.
Is there anything in particular you would like to change in your school division? In your ward?
I would like to see increased support in classrooms- making both the environment and the experience conducive to learning. I also believe that we need to work harder in developing partnerships with parents, business and the community. I would also like to see improvements in space and facilities available to our students in both the vocational and academic areas. I believe there has to be a more equitable way to fund education than through property taxation while at the same time not losing local autonomy. I also support the idea of a standardized provincial report card that is more understandable to parents.
Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?
I have always been very involved in the River East Transcona community. I’m known to many young people as “Papa John” or “Big John” and even “Santa” to many preschoolers. Our family will be forever indebted to this community and they have been gracious enough to give me a purpose. I would be honoured to serve our community and advocate for the children for another four years. I believe only one thing happens when we cut corners in heathcare and education and it usually isn’t good. I have and will always act in what is in the best interests of the children. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences. I would like to dedicate this to my sons “Little” John (1991-2006) and James and their friends who have accepted me as their friend.