Editor’s Notebook Why can’t we all be friends?
What was intended as a night to celebrate the efforts of three outgoing trustees instead turned ugly with the chairman of the Central Okanagan School District accusing the editor of The Daily
Courier of being biased. Wednesday was the final meeting for outgoing Central Okanagan School District trustees Chris Gorman and Lee Mossman, who voluntarily stepped down, and Deb Butler, who was not re-elected. A brief tribute was read by select trustees to each of the three who are moving on.
During media question period, I asked board chair Moyra Baxter: “What did you admire and enjoy about working with Trustee (Chris) Gorman?,” and attempted to ask the same question about Mossman. Baxter refused to answer. “The question is very peculiar and I just don’t see the relevance of those questions,” Baxter said following a long pause.
She then used the word “biased,” to describe yours truly, who previously endorsed Marjorie Brims, Baxter’s opponent in last week’s municipal election. As well, consistent to my beliefs, I don’t support expensive travel for elected officials. The impracticality of the Halifax trip was proven in that Butler went to Nova Scotia, and wasn’t re-elected. There goes $3,300 down the drain. Back to Baxter. “I put up with your bias over the past few months. I take exception to you finding it difficult to separate your reporter and your editor and your columnist roles and quite frankly, you come here and ask these kinds of questions. It is not a fair question,” Baxter said to the shock of the 20 or so people in the gallery.
Earlier in the meeting, Butler spoke briefly and thanked her fellow trustees. She enjoyed serving the people of Lake Country and hopes to remain involved as a volunteer. Mossman was not in attendance. Gorman took the opportunity to deliver a six-minute address, praising district staff and thanking fellow trustee Roli Cacchioni for his mentorship.
“Our educators, operations staff and administrators are true professionals, those who go beyond the call of duty and who look to do what’s best for students,” Gorman said.
“My time working with senior administration and trustees has been exceptional. Throughout our progress and turmoil, I found great joy in serving our community. We didn’t always agree and, for some, we never well. This is OK because we are all here for the same reason ... to improve public education in the Central Okanagan.”
He urged the new board, to be sworn in Nov. 7, to be harmonious.
“Be kind and generous to one another. I hope you take encouragement from our progress, continue to build strong relations and choose your battles carefully, to win the wars that will make the difference. Stand firm and continue to advocate and work to find common ground to ensure that we provide an outstanding education for our students.” Chris Gorman is a class act. Totally coincidental, he resigned from the board on Friday which he insists was a business decision. The old board is done in two weeks.
I think it’s time for a new chair and for the power base to return to Kelowna. Lee-Ann Tiede, Cacchioni and Julia Fraser would all be good. Is this biased? No. It’s honest.