The following is the text of an email sent to candidates running to be Ottawa Carleton District School Board trustees. The goal is to provide the candidates with an opportunity to provide voters with as good a window as possible into what to expect should they get elected.
“There will be efforts to share with the public in the time leading up to the elections the idea that it is not a bad thing for candidates to change their views on a topic. With more information and/or reflection on an issue a candidate may have a change of mind. We are always growing and we need leaders who are not going to double-down on stated positions just to look strong. We need flexible ones who base their positions on the latest information and with as much reflection as time permits.
“The issue of appointing the new OCDSB director will remain on the table for the duration of the elections. UCY offers the “Follow-up” opportunity for candidates to further express their views on the matter. With transparency, our democratic values, and respect for the voters being elements at play, voters will be able to learn a lot about each candidate from how they respond to this issue.
“You are urged to read the comments that readers have added to the September 4th Ottawa Citizen article about the appointing of the new director, and to consider if after reading them you are comfortable with the response you provided to the UCY Question 1.”