Election Questionnaire
Why did you decide to run in the 2010 school board election?
I decided to run in the 2010 school board election because as a father of six children, and a grandfather of two, I have a real interest in the success of public education. All of my children have attended school in the division and my youngest two, as well as my grandson are still attending school in Ward 3 of the Winnipeg School Division. I am also a life long resident and a taxpayer in the ward. I believe I have a combination of experience, skills, knowledge and a strong independent voice required to deal with the issues facing the public school system today.
What experience will you bring to complement your role as school trustee?
I have served on the Board of Trustees for the Winnipeg School Division since 1995, when I was first elected. As the senior trustee I am presently the longest serving trustee on the Winnipeg School Division's board. My 15 years of experience provides the board with an insight as to how division policies evolved, as well as what may have or has not worked in the past.
What are the major issues you would like to stand for and why did you choose these issues?
I stand for the major issues and concerns that are important to the people in my ward. I believe they should have a voice in the decision making.
- The school division needs to find alternative resources to assist in funding public education other than raising school taxes, therefore I initiated a Revenue Raising Committee which has worked on that issue.
- A few years ago, before it became such a news headline, I raised the issue with regards to child obesity and what role the school division should have in addressing this growing problem. This is still important to me.
- In the financial spectrum, province wide collective bargaining and school division amalgamations are issues which should be addressed and could help keep our taxes down. These issues are important to people in my ward.
Is there anything in particular you would like to change in your school division? In your ward?
I definitely would like the Winnipeg School Division to be more transparent and open. I believe the public and taxpayer have a right to know what is going on for the many issues that the board moves to "in camera" sessions. "In camera" means "behind closed doors" where the public is not allowed access to information. This is a public school division, funded by public dollars and the public should have access to a lot more information on a lot more of the important issues. It's my personal belief and practice to provide the public with as much information as possible.
Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?
I am proud to have served as a school trustee for 15 years, and would be honored to continue. One of my strongest beliefs is to be accountable to the people in my ward. Their concerns are important to me and I believe they should have a voice in the decision making. I am not afraid to speak up for issues that are important to my community and are important to our children's future.