2014 Winnipeg Civic Election

Why did you decide to run in the 2014 School Board Election?

I feel that I have not finished the task I set for myself, namely to ensure a superior educational system for our future citizens. I firmly believe that education is the relentless pursuit of excellence and “not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” W.B. Yeats

What experience will you bring to compliment your role as School Trustee?

My experience includes my previous 15 years as a Trustee, as well as 3 terms as Chairman of the Board. I also hold a Certificate in Public Sector Management from the University of Manitoba, in addition to my studies at the Faculty of Architecture. As a previous small retail business owner for 18 years and a retired provincial civil servant, Administration & Finance, also 18 years, I am familiar with the workings of large organizations. I have also sat on numerous City, Provincial and University Boards with mandates of policy, governance and budgetary concerns.

What are some issues that you would like to stand for in your role as School Trustee, and why are these issues important to you?

I feel that it is long past time for a serious discussion on the future of education in this province. I mean a frank open discussion at the highest levels, with the actual stakeholders, with the purpose of creating a plan and a direction for next five years. Not some blather or bafflegab about “the future” but a concrete set of proposals and at the end, and most importantly, an evaluation on whether we achieved them.
Every aspect should be on the agenda: funding, taxation, structure, staffing, governance, assessment, achievement, politics and more. Frankly, I’m tired of the earnest cliché “children are our future” without someone actually putting forward a plan to ensure that they, and us, have a future. I believe we need a concentrated effort to improve our graduation rates. Why after 12 years in the system are students failing to understand what they have been taught? I believe we must examine our Pass/Fail policies to ensure that students have the knowledge and confidence to advance to the next grade. We do them no favour by passing them simply because it’s time.
I believe we need a unified effort to root out drugs and pushers in our schools.

What is one thing in particular that you appreciate about the school ward or school division you wish to represent?

The diversity and composition of the ward, it’s almost a microcosm of the city itself. Within this mosaic of culture, language, religion, socio-economic factors and diverse opinions, I am gratified by the willingness of many people to work and share together. Big hearts willing to take on big jobs.

Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?

I am an independent candidate and will not bring a personal agenda to board business. I am not indebted to private organizations seeking favours, or special interest groups within the education system. I do not represent a political party, nor have I accepted donations, assistance, information, labour or influence from a political party. I do not pretend to be an independent. I am an independent, and accountable to the electorate as a whole.