Editor: Here we go again. So the divisiveness of the school board supporters continues. The first shot across the bow has been fired by Chris Olewinski (The Times, Oct. 27).
Unlike the previous writer, I will clearly state my allegiance. I am in full support of Wendy Johnson and Robert MacFarlane returning to their seats as trustees. I know both of them personally and do not see them as one-sided trustees.
I challenge anyone to name what actions Johnson or MacFarlane have made in their roles as trustees that have been aligned with unions over the well being of the district, or to show how they have defied any of the Auditor General’s recommendations.
As Olewinski did not identify his sources when he stated Johnson wanted to dispose of the current board, be the leader and create her own team, it is hard to know where he is getting his information. I actually read Johnson’s press release and watched her video.
Her quote from her press release (The Times, Oct. 25) is as follows: “The huge school district debt resulted from the inattention of previous trustees and from poor internal controls and out-dated governance practices. We can change all that with a new board of trustees willing to provide real leadership. I’d like to offer that leadership.”
I’m not sure how that matches Olewinski’s statements. What Olewinski also failed to highlight is Johnson has over 30 years as an educator and administrator in this school district, and numerous awards acknowledging her excellence in both.
In addition, he missed out the fact that Johnson actually has a doctorate in educational leadership and policy from the University of B.C. Perhaps that is one of the many reasons why she can speak to educational leadership.
In closing, I would like to encourage all readers to question letters to the editor (including mine) before jumping to conclusions about the candidates. I also echo Olewinski’s recommendation to examine all candidates running.
Attend all open forums and candidates’ meetings. Ask your questions and demand answers. These are the representatives we have a choice of selecting to shift our district into a positive stance.
We need strong leadership in our school board to guide us through some tough years, as we climb out of a debt that was created from poor district management prior to 2008.
Tracie Northway,
Langley City