The Sandor Report

Hello readers!  It has been a while since I last wrote, but I have a very exciting post this time around.  My survey series with the TVBDSB Trustee candidates was so successful that I have decided to periodically carry out interviews with groups and individuals in my homes of London and Guelph.  These interviews begin with this interview with His Worship Matt Brown, Mayor of London.  Spencer and Matt at a London Lightning game Spencer:  First and foremost, congratulations again on being sworn in as the Mayor of London.  Second, allow me to thank you again for agreeing to allow me to interview you for my blog.  Although I have a modest readership, I try to use my blog to provide insight into local politics in my two homes of London and Guelph. I have prepared a few questions for you to answer and have tried to strike a balance between providing you an opportunity to discuss your vision for London, and answer some questions that Londoners m...

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...

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. Michael Dawthorne - Candidate Wards 2,3,4,5,6 Why do you want to be a school board trustee? Nine years ago, I made two of the most important decisions of my life.  My partner and I adopted our son, Dakota.  I knew at the time about his many health, mental health and developmental disabilities, and already anticipated the lifelong challenge that required us to be a committed and dedicated advocate for his needs.  The early days of our journey were rocky.  One ‘expert’ advised I should “just lower my expectations and everything would be easier”.   The second important decision was not taking that advice. Dakota was seven when we adopted him.  At...

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. Chris Loblaw - Candidate Wards 1,11,12,14 Why do you want to be a school board trustee? I want to be a trustee so that I can give back to my community. Public service is a demanding but rewarding job, and I hope that I can use my talents, experiences and abilities to make a real, positive impact. What do you consider to be the most important role of a school board trustee? The role of advocate is the most important aspect of being a trustee. The parents and students of TVDSB need to be able to trust that they have someone in their corner, making sure their voice is heard. What do you believe to be the most important issue for the TVDSB to address over the next fou...

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. Knute Dohnberg - Candidate Wards 1,11,12,14 Why do you want to be a school board trustee? Ever since I got involved with a fundraising campaign at my old London high school, I started to appreciate just how many problems exist within Ontario’s public education model. This led me to get actively involved with the school’s alumni association. This, in turn, has nurtured an even greater interest in how the TVDSB exercises its’ mandate. What do you consider to be the most important role of a school board trustee? A school board trustee represents not only the taxpayer, but also every student in the TVDSB system and their (rightfully concerned) parents. This is what needs to gu...

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. Leroy Osbourne - Candidate Wards 7,8,9,10,13 Thank you for taking the time to reach out to me and giving me an opportunity to communicate with your audience. Why do you want to be a school board trustee? I have always been interested to be a part of something bigger than myself, but more importantly this position resonates with me due to some of my childhood experiences.  When you are a child, it seems your two biggest responsibilities are to do well in school and to be a kid. I was not very good in school from Gr. 1-3, I was pulling in ‘C’s and ‘D’s.  School was stressful and as the first born it felt like I was disappointing my parents. My parents did not have...

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. Kathy Kaill - Candidate Wards 7,8,9,10,13 Here are my answers to your survey. Thank you again for soliciting this information and for promoting the importance of voting for school board trustees. Why do you want to be a school board trustee? I am a parent of 2 school aged children. I have run into unjust policies in the school system that have affected my oldest child. Luckily, I was able to meet with the teachers, principal and support staff to advocate for my child's needs. I know that is not always possible for all parents, so I felt that being a school trustee I could a) advocate for parents in an effective manner and b) help shape policies so that children's unique nee...