Much of the attention was given to township council candidates, but three local school board candidates also attended the Puslinch debate held on Oct. 12.
Steve Redmond, south Wellington’s acclaimed and incumbent candidate for trustee of the Wellington Catholic District School Board, said the board needs to have a “Christ-centred” vision for education.
He said the job boils down to giving students the opportunity to be the best they can be and addressing the “spiritual, moral, academic, and physical needs” of students.
Jim McClure is running against Marty Fairbairn for trustee on the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB).
McClure joked that for him “grade 9 was a tough four years.”
He said the role of the trustee is not in the classroom or working with curriculum, but more of “a bean counter.” He pledged to ensure budgets are kept and to strive for fiscal responsibility.
Fairbairn told the crowd he is passionate about education for all children, regardless of their level or situation. He said he wants to make any expansions of school permanent, with “bricks and mortar,” noting portables are not the way to go.
When asked about tax increases, McClure said while Puslinch had a very high tax rate increase this year, the local educational levy was zero, and he intends to keep it there.
Fairbairn said local school boards no longer raise taxes themselves. He explained the educational portion of taxes is collected by the province and then disbursed to school boards, which are then legislated by law to keep balanced budgets.
Redmond agreed with Fairbairn, and noted the local boards have to renegotiate contracts next year, and considering the economy, careful consideration should be given before granting raises.
