The following are candidates' responses to the following questions: Incumbents only: With School District 43's recent difficulties, which resulted in $13.4 million in cost cutting, and a forensic audit noting lack of control and monitoring resulted in a deficit in 2012/'13, why should anyone vote for you, an incumbent who was on the board when it happened? To non-incumbents only: If you are elected, what issue would you bring to the board's attention? To all: What is your reason for running for school trustee? Also: Do you think there is enough transparency about what goes on in the school district? If not, how would you change it?
Secondary school teacher, lives in Coquitlam
Expertise to offer board: knowledge of education system
Endorsement: none
Why run: "I've seen some problems in the education system province-wide and, obviously, Coquitlam, as well, and I think more could be done to improve the school district and I want to be part of making that change."
What issue: "I think for me, the number one thing is going to be to make sure the government is providing the proper funding for school boards and the way I think that can be best done is by getting the parents to rally a little more."
Transparency: "The school board meetings are open so I think at that level, you can come in and ask your questions. I don't know if enough people know what the school board does. There's probably enough transparency if the public was aware of how to get the answer they want."
