School Mergers and the Maybe Not-So Missing Memorabilia

For the record, in compiling the candidate profiles for the current prairie dog issue and for this blog, I did absolutely no fact checking of the assertions made by the various candidates -- no fact checking, whatsoever.

And while I'd cringe a little when I'd stumble on claims by candidates that property crime is going up in Regina (based on the 2008 to 2009 stats, it's going down.... the number of crimes against people on the other had, is creeping upward), I simply didn't have time to dig into every claim by all 40-plus candidates. I was kind of hoping any errors would get ferreted out by their opponents over the course of the campagn.

Well, this afternoon in my inbox I received my first critique of a candidate profile. The e-mail comes from Barb Saylor who is one of the outgoing members of the Public School Board. She takes exception to some comments made by Cindy Anderson, a candidate for that board in Subdivision 4. I'm reprinting the pertinent portion of Barb's email below....

"I must correct an impression left by Cindy Anderson as to the disposition of memorabilia from Robert Usher and other closed schools. She was on the transition committee, as her profile states, so she knows that there was indeed a plan, which included the transfer of sport-related plaques and trophies to a special cabinet beside the gym door at Thom; the tracking down of families whose students had memorial and other plaques in the schools; and a website with photos and descriptions of memorabilia, so that members of the public could ID them and claim them, if they wished. No doubt some unclaimed material was taken by members of the community, and that would be the items "in boxes, dispersed...." Items from Stewart Russell School went to Judge Bryant, including, with the blessing of Mr. Russell's family, his portrait and bio. I don't know specifically about items from Herchmer School, but consistency of practice already demonstrated would lead me to think that many are at Wascana School and others await the brand-new school to be built on the Herchmer site. This school will replace both Herchmer and Wascana, and will combine the heritage of both. My son's Grade 8 graduation picture will take its place somewhere in that building, whose construction and grand opening I plan to be around to see."

You can read Cindy's original comments on the Public School Board profiles page. If anyone wants to provide more insight into the disposition of memorabilia from closed schools, our blog is comment-enabled....

UPDATE [27/10/09, 09:47am]: A comment from Cindy Anderson has been posted which, in the case of Usher, disputes Barb Saylor's impression of how school memorabilia was handled. You can read it in the comments section below....

More Candidate Profiles: Who Else is Running for Public School Board?

The last few profiles are trickling in. Here are two more candidates for Public School Board....

Subdivision 2
APRIL BOURGEOIS says she's running because she became alarmed to find out her kids were in a school slated for closure and believes the current school board doesn't represent the majority of Reginan's views. Read April's complete profile.
April is running against incumbent Barbara Young and you can read her profile in this post.

Subdivision 4
CHAD BLENKIN says he's running because he believes the school board needs strong leadership to secure our children's future and he has the experience to be a strong candidate for that role. Read Chad's complete profile.
Chad is running against Cindy Anderson and Frederick Rackow. You can read their profiles here.

I anticipate one or two more profiles will come in tonight and tomorrow so be sure to check back for those.

And, if you haven't already, be sure to check out the profiles for the mayoral, city council and Catholic School Board races and the complete list of Public School Board profiles.

Candidate Profiles: Who's Running for Catholic School Board

To date, we've looked at the Public School Board race, the city council race and the mayoral race. Now, finally, we take a look at the candidates running for Regina's Catholic School Board.

The Catholic board, incidentally, runs on an at-large system as opposed to a ward system, so the seven people who get the most votes out of the nine running will become board members.

After going over the profiles, it turns out that for some strange reason, it's only in the Catholic School Board race that we have candidates who identify themselves as Spocks -- up until now, we've been awfully Kirk and Scotty heavy. Also, the Catholic Board boasts what I consider the best selection of arch enemies, including Father Time, the Borg and Satan. To find out who picked what, read on....

E.J. (JERRY) ADAMS says he is running for re-election because children represent the future and deserve the best preparation possible. Read Jerry' complete profile.

VICKY BONNELL says she is running for re-election because she wants to advocate for Catholic education and maintain its distinctiveness. Read Vicky's complete profile.

GERALD KLEISINGER says he is running because education has been a life-long passion. Read Gerald's complete profile.

JOHN STEVENSON says he is running because he believes in the importance of quality, Catholic education, and that the Catholic school system should not be taken for granted. Read John's complete profile.

RICK TURCHENEK says he is running for re-election because he has the skills and abilities to address the challenges the board will face in the future. Read Rick's complete profile.

BERT YAKICHUK says he is running because he is concerned about the long-term viability of quality Catholic education. Read Bert's complete profile.

We are still hoping to get profiles from Robert Bresciani, Donna Ziegler and Frank Fiacco. When we do, we'll post them.

Candidate Profiles: Who's Running for Public School Board?

So far we've looked at the candidates for the mayor's office as well as the candidates running for council. Today, we're looking at the candidates running to become school trustees. First up, the race for spots on the Regina Public School Board.

If you're wondering who chose what superpower and where your potential trustee likes to eat, the answers are below. Plus, we didn't forget to ask the candidates where they stand on the school board's controversial 10-year renewal plan...

Subdivision 1
TIMOTHY STOBBS is the winner by acclamation in Subdivision 1. He says he ran for school board because his son is in the system and he wants to be involved in it. Read Timothy's complete profile.

Subdivision 2
APRIL BOURGEOIS says she's running because she became alarmed to find out her kids were in a school slated for closure and believes the current school board doesn't represent the majority of Reginan's views. Read April's complete profile.
BARBARA YOUNG says she's running for re-election to school board because she wants to empower teachers and help all students become successful learners. Read Barbara's complete profile.

Subdivision 3
LARRY DAVIS says he's running because he believes the current board has not been entirely forthcoming about the school closure process. Read Larry's complete profile.
SHAUNEEN PETE says she's running because, through her 20 years of involvement in the education system, she has gained an understanding of what the community values in education. Read Shauneen's complete profile.
DALE WEST says he's running for re-election because he wants to continue the good work that has taken place over the last term. Read Dale's complete profile.

Subdivision 4
CINDY ANDERSON says she is running because she believes the current board has lost touch with what parents are telling them about their schools. Read Cindy's complete profile.
CHAD BLENKIN says he's running because he believes the school board needs strong leadership to secure our children's future and he has the experience to be a strong candidate for that role. Read Chad's complete profile.
FREDERICK RACKOW says he is running because he wants to increase resources for all students and teachers in the system Read Fred's complete profile.

Subdivision 5
CARLA BECK is the winner by acclamation in Subdivision 5. She says she ran for school board because she wants to promote the value of small, walkable, neighbourhood schools. Read Carla's complete profile.

Subdivision 6
DEBRA CONLIN says she is running because she wants to be part of making positive choices regarding the future of the public school system. Read Debra's complete profile.
KATHERINE GAGNE says she is running because she wants to give students and teachers the benefit of a strong school system. Read Katherine's complete profile.
DON WREN says he is running because education is the foundation of a person's life and he wants to help provide children with the education they need to fulfill their potential. Read Don Wren's complete profile.

Subdivision 7
ANGELA FRASER is the winner by acclamation in Subdivision 7. She says she ran because she is passionate about education and wants to be part of the decision making that affects the school boards present and future. Read Angela's complete profile.

UPDATE [17/10/09, 10:10am]: I've just added April Bourgeois and Chad Blenkin's profiles to this list.

Candidate Profiles: Who's Running for Council?

Yesterday, we ran through the candidates for the mayor's office. Today, we're looking at the 22 people who've stepped forward to run for spots on city council.

Curious to know who's guiltily reading a Dan Brown novel or how many candidates say they are reading a book by Barack Obama? Wondering how many Captain Kirks we could wind up with on council? (Which leads one to wonder if council can handle that much Shatner?) The answers to these questions and many more are below....

Ward 1
ANDY ASHERBRANNER says he's running for council because he's tired of the people we elect not listening to the people who elect them. Read Andy's complete profile.
LOUIS BROWNE says he's running for re-election to council because he feels indebted to Regina and Ward 1 for all they have given him. Read Louis' complete profile.
SHAWN KUSTER says he's running for council because it's an opportunity to be involved with and serve his community. Read Shawn's complete profile.

Ward 2
JOCELYN HUTCHINSON, who is running for re-election in Ward2, was unfortunately not able to respond to our candidate questionnaire just yet. When she does, we'll be sure to post it to the blog.
HEATHER MCINTYRE says she is running for council because she believes she wants to ensure Regina's growth is managed responsibly. Read Heather's complete profile.

Ward 3
FRED CLIPSHAM says he is running for re-election to council because he wants to follow through on the plans set in motion by the current council. Read Fred's complete profile.
JOHN CONWAY says he is running for council because the current council is dominated by business interests and he want to force significant policy debate. Read John's complete profile.
SHIRLEY DIXON says she is running for council because she wants to move issues forward that are important to Regina's citizens. Read Shirley's complete profile.
DON YOUNG says he is running for council because he can make competent, conscientious decisions which will make a beneficial contribution to the city. Read Don's complete profile.

Ward 4
MICHAEL FOUGERE is the winner by acclamation in Ward 4. This will be his fifth term on council. Read Michael's complete profile.

Ward 5
JOHN FINDURA says he is running for council because he knows the issues that are important to Reginans and he wants to ensure they are raised. Read John's complete profile.
BILL GRAY says he is running for re-election because he believes in Regina's future there are decisions that should be made based on fairness and experience. Read Bill's complete profile.

Ward 6
BRENDA MERCER says she is running for council because she is committed to affordable housing, safer neighbourhoods and stronger communities. Read Brenda's complete profile.
WADE MURRAY says he is running for re-election in Ward 6 because he wants to ensure taxes are carefully and prudently invested in the community. Read Wade's complete profile.

Ward 7
DANNY BEREHULA says he is running for council because he believes Ward 7 has not received its fair share of infrastructure and services. Read Danny's complete profile.
SHARRON BRYCE says she is running for re-election because she listens to the issues residents bring forward and sees that those issues are resolved. Read Sharron's complete profile.

Ward 8
MICHAEL O'DONNELL says he is running for re-election because he wants to see recommendations made in the many reviews the city has undertaken are implemented in a reasonable and realistic manner. Read Michael's complete profile.
DONNA STANDINGREADY says she is running for council because she believes there is a disconnect between the city and its residents and she wants to engage people in decision making. Read Donna's complete profile.

Ward 9
TERRY HINCKS hasn't had a chance to respond to our questionnaire yet.

Ward 10
MICHAEL CASSANO says he is running for council because he wants to ensure people are kept in the loop and have their input included into the city's strategies for growth. Read Michael's complete profile.
JERRY FLEGEL says he is running for re-election because he is passionate about representing the interests of Ward 10 and finds it exhilarating to help citizens resolve the concerns they bring forward. Read Jerry's complete profile.
CHRIS SZARKA has been sent a few messages but still hasn't gotten back to us.

Candidate Profiles: Who's Running for Mayor?

For the latest prairie dog, we got the candidates in October 28's municipal election to fill out Candidate Questionnaires, in which they had to answer such hard-hitting questions as "Which Star Trek character are you?" and "What's your totem animal?" (Oh, don't worry. We grilled them on the issues, too.) Unfortunately, due to space contraints, we weren't able to run every answer we received and we weren't able to run profiles for candidates in the school board races.

As a result over the next few days, we'll be posting the candidates' complete profiles here, on the dog blog. Tomorrow we'll post the profiles for candidates running for spots on city council. Sunday, we'll tackle the two school board races. But today, we'll take a look at the three people running for the job of mayor....

JIM ELLIOTT says he's running for mayor because the current council isn't doing enough for marginalized people and for the environment. He's reading Less Law and Order by Irwin Waller and his totem animal is the Owl. Read his complete profile.

PAT FIACCO says he's running for reelection as mayor because he wants to see continue the work council's been doing to make Regina affordable, safe and environmentally sustainable. He says the Star Trek character he resembles is Captain Kirk (they both have great hair) and he's reading a tonne of reports. Read his complete profile.

LINDA WHITE says she's running for mayor because she wants to raise awareness about how difficult it is to find affordable, safe housing in Regina. She says in Regina City Hall: the Movie, the part of Linda White should be played by Julia Roberts and her totem animal is the eagle. Read her complete profile.