Who represents your voice?
The easy answer is the people we choose to speak on our behalf.
But it can be more complicated than that. Not everyone who gets elected has the same perspective that I may have on an issue. It is the nature of democracy. We choose people to represent us – the majority of us. They will not always share our perspective on each and every issue that arises. They may make decisions we agree with or they may make ones we do not support. Regardless, they were elected to represent everyone.
For those elected, the responsibility is to willingly hear concerns and viewpoints from all citizens. After doing so, they make the best decisions possible. It may not be the decision I might make or like, but they are elected to represent all voices and make decisions accordingly.
Elections matter.
This fall, elections will be held for municipal governments and school boards. We as citizens have the opportunity to choose our representatives - those who will make the best decisions they can with the information and constraints they have.
Mountain View School Division is looking for your input on this upcoming election. Not only are people encouraged to run as a trustee, but the make-up of the Board requires your input.
Currently, the Board of Trustees has nine trustees elected in four wards. These wards follow municipal boundaries and are used for election purposes. Once trustees are elected, they represent the entire school division and not just the area they are elected from. It is the nature of trusteeship.
Each trustee represents approximately the same number of people. It is a requirement to be within 25% (below or above) the average number of electors. When that gets out of alignment, wards need to be adjusted. At the present moment, we are nearing the 25% threshold in a couple of our wards.
In looking at potentially adjusting wards, two options exist. We can leave the structure and number of trustees the same and see where the average sits after this election. It may require changes for the election four years from now.
Or, we could adjust the number of wards and trustees for this year’s election. Instead of four wards and nine trustees, we could move to three wards and seven trustees.
It is not an easy decision.
The board has been operating for over a year with seven trustees due to two resignations in the midst of the pandemic. Holding by-elections, given the restrictions, was not advisable.
While this required more time commitment for current trustees, the Board managed to represent our communities with the reduced numbers. But, do our communities feel represented?
The reduction of two trustees is not really a financial consideration. Although the Trustee budget will be reduced slightly, saving $10-$15 thousand from a $45 million budget does not make a significant difference.
The issue is more about representation.
To that end, the Board is seeking feedback from our communities prior to making a decision. A short survey is available for you to provide your input. It is available on our website at https://www.mvsd.ca/apps/news/article/827256 until April 8th at 4:00 PM. You can also receive hard copies by contacting the Division office at 204-638-3001.
Representation is important. The Board does not want our communities to feel a loss of local voice if a reduction to the number of trustees were to occur. We need to hear from you.