The race for four at-large Catholic trustee positions in Oakville by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 19 | Thursday, October 23, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Editor's Note: For candidate profiles as submitted to the Oakville Beaver, visit www. oakvillebeaver.com. Election Day is Monday (Oct. 27) and the race is on for seats at the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB). There are four at-large positions available to represent Oakville at the Catholic board. Vying for the positions are incumbents Anthony Danko, Alice Anne LeMay and Paul Marai, while the newcomers are Helena Karabela, Helen Orsanic, Giuseppe Peritore, Anthony Quinn and Darnell Vrban. Elected twice to the HCDSB, Danko said it is a big challenge to maintain "our integrity as a truly Catholic institution," while other issues involve maintaining high levels of student achievement -- especially in mathematics -- and including ratepayers in the strategicplanning process. LeMay has been on the board for 34 years, having been elected originally in 1980. She said being a trustee is very rewarding and is a lot of hard work, noting it is not just about attending monthly meetings, but also meeting with parents and ratepayers and visiting schools www.edwardjones.com and attending school-based functions. "There is a huge learning curve that never stops. One must be prepared to attend valuable sessions on learning the role and changes that keep coming. It is also about personal growth, both in education knowledge and spiritual growth," said LeMay. Marai, who's been a HCDSB trustee since 2010, has three priorities to continue to concentrate on if re-elected -- accountability and transparency, technology in the classroom and a balanced school board budget. "I am seeking re-election because I believe each of us has a duty to contribute to our community. I believe it is important to have both younger and more experienced voices on the (board).This diversity only enhances the strength of the board," said Marai. For Karabela, the biggest challenge facing the HCDSB is the government designing "onesize-fits-all" policies for the province, which doesn't work for Oakville, she said, adding if elected, "I will strive to customize policies to fit into and reflect our Catholicity and I will seek consultation with the public." Orsanic has experience in running her own campaign in Ward 3 in Mississauga and is seeking public office locally because education has "always been my interest," Orsanic said. see Catholic on p.23 Does your financial advisor know your life goals? Marc Nutford - Financial Advisor 2387 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, ON L6H 6K7, 905-844-4043 marc.nutford@edwardjones.com · www.edwardjones.com Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund Factory Trained Service Tech & Electronic Fireplace Specialists GAS FIREPLACE REPAIR Experience is the Difference! Solving Problems Since `82! We Service: CFM, DRU, GSW, Hunter, Insta-Flame, Valor, Napoleon, Regency, Majestic, Heat-N-Glo, Heatilator, Selkirk, GTI, Dovre, Pacific Energy, Town & Country, Security, HearthStone, Montigo, Lennox, Temco, Kingsman, Polaris, Heritage, Drolet, Continental, Vermont Castings, Osburn & many other brands. 905-845-0701 E-MAIL: scott@gasfix.ca Read our client reviews www.gasfixfireplace.homestars.com Cut and Save! You never know when you will need us! Local Events Find Fin WITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY Bob Ferguson Your Full Time Ward 3 Town Councillor Vote on October 27th Here is the ONLY solution and I'll borrow this from my many CEO years. We need to look very closely at how projects are funded. Budgeting is the critical success factor for Ward 3 homeowners and indeed all of Oakville first, prioritize. Then get it done on a Plan pace that guarantees Homeowner Property Tax Increases are held at or just below the current average of Rob Burton. www.fergie4oakville.com www.insidehalton.com