BSD candidates forum set for Wednesday

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This article was published 14/10/2023 (1071 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Locals will have the chance to learn more about those vying to be the next members of the Brandon School Division’s board of trustees when candidates assemble at Brandon University for a forum on Wednesday.

Ten candidates are currently vying for two positions left vacant by resignations earlier this year, one in the school division’s urban Ward 1 — comprising the City of Brandon — and another in the rural Ward 2 — comprising all communities in the school division outside Brandon itself.

The forum will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 18 at Brandon University’s Evans Theatre and is being run jointly by the Brandon Teachers’ Association, CUPE Local 737, Brandon University, Westman Communication Group and the Brandon Sun.

Moderating the event will be Assiniboine Community College journalism and media instructor Murray Oliver, with Brandon Sun columnist Deveryn Ross, Brandon University political science professor Kelly Saunders and retired teacher Peter Buehler serving as panellists.

All 10 candidates have been invited. In Ward 1, that includes Kirk Carr, Brad Rusnak, Quentin Derhak, Scott MacMillan, Bonnie-Lynn Mills, Sheri Miller, Kara Morrice and Breanne Bauche. Ward 2 candidates are Lorraine McConnel and Henry Sieklicki.

The event is free to attend and open to the general public. Parking at BU will be free for the event.

“The Brandon Teachers’ Association (and CUPE Local 737) always take an active role in Brandon School Division trustee elections by hosting a candidates’ forum each election period,” said BTA president Tammy Tutkaluk. “It is important that we understand the priorities of the candidates running so that our members, and the public, have a better understanding of who they are electing. A school board trustee is elected to do a very important job, one that not only impacts the working conditions of teachers and other divisional employees, but also the quality of education that the children receive.”

For those who cannot make it in person, it will be broadcast live on WCGtv and livestreamed on the WCGtv website. The Brandon Sun will have coverage of the event in the next day’s paper.

Organizers ask that attendees not bring any signs, flags or any other distracting items with them to the theatre. Additionally, attendees are requested not to interrupt proceedings. Those who violate these rules may be asked to leave.

Advance voting starts today. Voters can cast ballots at the Keystone Centre’s Pioneer Lounge from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and at the Spruce Woods Community Hall in Shilo from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The next day for advance voting is Tuesday, Oct. 17. On that day, voters can visit either Brandon City Hall from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or the Kemnay Recreation Centre from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Regular voting will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. A full list of voting locations can be found online at brandonvotes.ca. Voters can choose to vote at any polling station, but may only vote for candidates in the ward in which they reside.

On election day, mobile voting stations will be set up at Brandon Regional Health Centre and several local personal care homes.

Those who cannot vote in person or in advance can ask to be sent a sealed envelope containing a ballot by mail.

Voters must request an envelope by Oct. 20 and can do so by writing the senior election official at the Brandon Votes Office at the Civic Administration Building at 410 Ninth Street, R7A 6A2, sending an email to brandonvotes@brandon.ca or visiting the office in person.

In order to vote, residents must show one piece of government-issued photo ID or two other documents that provide proof of identity and residence.

» The Brandon Sun