Issues in North Dumfries Township
I had the opportunity to attend an all-candidates meeting in North Dumfries tonight. What struck me most about the evening was the obvious pride that these residents have for their township and the communities within it. I was quickly reminded of own small-town upbringing and the challenges facing small communities.
One women I spoke to expressed her extreme disappointment that there is no longer a trustee specifically from North Dumfries. She was even more disappointed when I informed here that there wasn’t even a candidate from North Dumfries. Her response was “Well, what’s the point in voting, then?”
I’d like to think that as a small-town boy myself I can adequately serve the residents of Ayr, Clyde, Branchton, Brown, Roseville and all of the other little hamlets that dot the township. I found myself, however, in total agreement that North Dumfries has been left out in the cold with respect to representation at the Board.
If elected, I would encourage the Waterloo Region District School Board and the Province of Ontario to create an additional trustee position to represent North Dumfries.
I had the opportunity to speak to several other residents of North Dumfries and several issues were raised. As I chatted, it became apparent to me that it is simply unacceptable (and necessary) to transport so many children out of their community and into Cambridge for school. With only two elementary schools – both located in Ayr – the township risks losing part of its cohesiveness as no child attends high school in their own municipality!
A Small Schools initiative would allow for more schools – including a high school – in North Dumfries. An elementary school serving Clyde and Branchton, for example, would still require most to be bussed but they would at least retain their North Dumfries identity.
On October 25th you have the opportunity to have a say in the future of your school board. I ask for your support. To make sure you are on the voter’s list and to find out where to vote, please visit this page: http://cambridgepublicschools.ca/on-the-list/
