Pearson parents invited to grill board candidates

“This time around there are four weeks between nomination day and polling day,” said CPC chair Elisabeth Tosi, a Pointe Claire parent. “That is double the time we had in 1998 or 2003, so in 2007 we have had the opportunity to organize meetings where the candidates can present their views – and answer questions – before the public has to cast ballots.” “There are many contentious issues in public school management these days – just think of the ADQ platform plank to abolish school boards, special education, access to English schooling, strikes and unions, curriculum changes – the list just goes on and on.”

The meetings, each starting at 7:30 p.m., will each concentrate on two or three contested electoral divisions, but the 14 acclaimed commissioners will also be on the spot.

The public is welcome at these locations:

Monday, Oct. 22 Divisions 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21 Madonald High, 17 Maple, Ste. Anne de Bellevue

Tuesday, Oct. 23 Divisions 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17 Pierrefonds Comprehensive H.S., 13,800 Pierrefonds Blvd., Pierrefonds

Thursday, Oct. 25 Divisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 LaSalle Community Comp. H.S., 240 - 9th Avenue, LaSalle

Hachey steps aside

John Hachey announced Friday (Oct. 19) that he is withdrawing his candidacy from Ward 18. He said there is a need for "strong advocacy" and he wants to avoid splitting votes in what was a three-way race. Don Rae, the incumbent school board commissioner, is up against Judy Kelley, the wife of Jacques Cartier MNA Geoff Kelley.