School trustee candidate Murray Grant is not stepping down but would take a “less active role” if elected.
“Regrettably, due to circumstances which have changed since my nomination, if elected, I would necessarily have to take a less active role on the board of trustees than I would desire, and indeed take a less active role than I feel to be optimal for the students, parents, teachers and communities of Campbell River,” wrote Grant in a letter.
However, Grant is continuing to run for a trustee position.
“I am not stepping down from my nomination,” said Grant. “I would very much enjoy being a trustee but in the interests of transparency, full disclosure, and respect to the fellow nominees, the electorate, the position, and the democratic process, I needed to state clearly what I can and can not bring to the position.”
“Given that, if elected, I still would contribute to the best of my ability,” said Grant.
He took all his elementary and secondary schooling in Campbell River, and has worked in schools, colleges and technological institutes for the past twenty years as a teacher and administrator.
“Particularly important pedagogical issues to me are, how technology integrates with student centred learning, and how traditional cultures transmit learning and experiences in this technological age,” said Grant.
“If we do not seriously address such issues and develop local policy and local programs for such modern realities, challenges and opportunities, we chance our students’ success, our teachers’ and parents’ satisfaction, and much of our various communities cultural heritage; in fact we would risk becoming passive acceptors of policy and programs scripted outside Campbell River.”
Grant said he lived and worked in cultures that have less respect for human rights or the tenets of collective bargaining in particular. He said advocation is important.
“I am a full believer in, and advocate for all reasonable persons, groups and communities who have the courage to stand up and insist upon both their rights and the rights of those who have no voice,” explained Grant.
While Grant is still officially running, he said he wants to let voters know that he can commit less time to trustee duties so that they can make the most educated decision possible when voting.
“Civic elections are so important that I wish everyone to cast an informed and reasoned ballot for the nominees of their choice and know that they have contributed to making Campbell River the best city it can be,” said Grant.