The Sandor Report

With the Ontario municipal elections behind us, I would now like to make a request to all of the Councillor Elects, Mayor Elects and citizens everywhere.  For the next four years, would it be too much to ask to keep party politics out of municipal affairs? To set the record straight, there are no parties in local government.  You did not vote for a Liberal councillor or a Conservative mayor.  Likewise, to all of you newly elected officials, you do not represent a provincial or federal party.  Nevertheless, over the last 10 months of campaigning, I have heard countless times refrains such as "I'm not voting for a filthy Conservative for Mayor" or "Those scheming Liberals have taken over City Hall".  What's worse, candidates not only propagated this misconception by declaring that they would be a Conservative or Liberal politician, but in fact told citizens to vote along provincial or federal party lines. For higher levels of government, it may be easy ...

On September 14 th , I emailed the London candidates for Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) Trustee.  As outlined in a  previous blog post , this was done to provide more exposure to this important position and to give Londoners an opportunity to get more insight into the candidates. Linda Ludwar - Candidate Wards 7,8,9,10,13 It's wonderful that you are doing this survey.   I thank you for taking the time to provide this opportunity for the public to become informed.  I agree wholeheartedly how sad it is that there are no trustee candidate 'meet and greets'.  I also can't understand why there is such public apathy in those whom we entrust $845 million of our tax dollars!  In regards to a lack of election signs for trustees, I personally get 'sign fatigue'. It's rather overwhelming the amount of signs at some intersections, due to the number of candidates running for the various positions in the municipal election. For a trus...

On September 14 th , I emailed the London candidates for Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) Trustee.  As outlined in a  previous blog post , this was done to provide more exposure to this important position and to give Londoners an opportunity to get more insight into the candidates. Joyce Bennett Candidate Wards 7,8,9,10,13 Why do you want to be a school board trustee? I am passionate about public education and preparing our children for their future.   I am experienced, accountable and approachable. I believe that every child can learn and every child has to be given the opportunity  to reach his or her potential. I am willing and able to continue making a serious and full-time commitment to the role of trustee.  I  want to ensure that board actions address the needs of all learners from JK to adults.   By actively listening to and working with students, families and the community I have made a DIFFERENCE. What do you consi...

On September 14 th , I emailed the London candidates for Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) Trustee.  As outlined in a  previous blog post , this was done to provide more exposure to this important position and to give Londoners an opportunity to get more insight into the candidates. Ruth Tisdale Candidate Wards 1,11,12,14 Thank you for the opportunity to provide information about the trustee elections. It is encouraging to see someone taking the time to provide information on a role that impacts our greatest resource, OUR STUDENTS!!   Why do you want to be a school board trustee? Our children are our greatest resource and our future. We must ensure that we are providing the very best educational opportunities for all children. As a mother of 5 children I have witnessed first hand the accomplishments and struggles as my children navigate public education.  In the past, as a school council member, Home and School member and community member I hav...

On September 14 th , I emailed the London candidates for Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) Trustee.  As outlined in a  previous blog post , this was done to provide more exposure to this important position and to give Londoners an opportunity to get more insight into the candidates. Peter Jaffe - Candidate Wards 2,3,4,5,6 Why do you want to be a school board trustee? I believe that the trustee role is a critical leadership role in the community that serves our children and our future society.    I have been a trustee on the Thames Valley District School since 1998 when it was founded. I believe that I have a lot to offer from my experience as a parent to 4 sons, a psychologist and a professor in the Faculty of Education at Western. What do you consider to be the most important role of a school board trustee? The most important role of a trustee is being an advocate for the concerns of constituents, parents and students. Trustees also pla...