..Whitby FieePress, Wednehy, ,Novembèr 2,1994,Page 15 Trùtee nubnsqueried aout Taunton 'aj Mhl By John Duway Local residents expressed a number of concerne to candidates for the two 'Whitby trustee psitions on the Durham Board of Education, at a public forum Iast Wednesday at Pringle Creek Public Scbool. On hand were incumbents Patti Bowman and Tanya Gulliver as well as hopéfuls Jack Bremer, Jamie Curran,. Doug Ross and former trustee George Milosh. One of the most popular topics was the $133-million Durham Education Centre. The first question of the night asked incumbents Bowman and Gulliver bow tbey feit about the "Taj Mahal on Taunton Road." "iDo you really think- tbat's Reducing expenses and taking action. againet druge and violence in scbools are among the aims of Deug Ross, a candidate for one of the two Whitby trustee positions on the Durham Board of Education. Ross believes the board can operate more efficiently by ehi- minating unnecessary spen ding. In addition to urging action against violence and drugs, he says students sbould be protec- ted from special interest groups and their agendas. He also wants to "get back te the basics,» te improve the basic academic skills of children. His «Mings to Do' list in bis election brochure aIse includes development of an "open door policy' because, he says, parents have a, right te know about their cbhildren's educeation. approprate?' asked an irate resident. He decried wbat he tbought were such unreasonable extras as one-and-a-half-incb tbick marbie walls. Gulliver defended the centre, saying it would save approximately $1 milllion each year by eliminating duplication of services. Bowman said the project created local jobs and came in almost $3 million under budget. Another resident bad concerns about the large size of the building: '"Why build a place tbat's 60 per cent bigger than neededT' Bowrnan maintained,"Vie were crammed in like sardines in five sites across the region.*" However, the resident was not mollified. "Adults tbat are running the show get the good "In many cases, the parents don't even know ef serlous and important changes until it is too late. DOUG ROSS deal, and the ids and the parents are gtting the raw deal,' she said, aluding to the many portables at Pringle Creek and others. AI-day-every-other-day junior kindergarten is currently being studied in a pilot program across the region. Candidates were asked whether or not they supported it. Bowman said she will 'make up ber mind wben the project is over afler* this sebool year. Special education students' needs was another bot topie as edlucational assistants are being cut back across the region. A few parents voiced their concerns but seemed dissatisfied with most candidates' responses. However, Ross scored some points by saying, "Every kid, "For example, I was appalled wben I saw t he borderline porno- grapby that is boing contempla- ted as 'sex education! I was devastated when I found out that most parents know nothing about it." He feels that "tee, many times, the school board members act as ambassadors of their own agen- das,, instead of (as) advocates of the parents and taxpayers. » RosseaIse saxs more "per- manent facilities ' (schools) -- and less portables -- are needed to keep up with the grewing popu- lation. "A friend said te, me the other day that ail politicians are pup- pets. "Well, if that is true and if I'm gingto be apuppet then 1want theparents to be the pnes pul- ling my strings.", i wliether they are gifted or have a handicap or a learning disabililty, bas a right to an education." " Sale, comfortable en vironments " Stimulating dally programs " Trained, professional Pro viders Other topis of concern included destreaming and year-round schooing. " Reliable local back-up for Provider's holidays or ilness " Complète insurance cove rage " Income tax receipts supplied 2LOSE 20 LBS. FOR STHE HOLIDAYS e"-cgular Store Bought Foods Nutritionally Balanced programs Guaranteed Resuits Safe Easy Weight Loss On a Full Program Basis $9900* No Enroilment Fee IPICKERING WIIITBY OSHIAWA New cients, I420-4220 666-5050 436-2122 excludes Also locations in Bradford, Newmarket, Markamn & Trhomhill product IFREE CONSULTATIONS If candidate becomes- 'puppet,,' parents will pull the strings You can entrust yvour child's care to Wee Watch. Reliable, supervised day care at a home in yiur neighbourhood. a Monthly home inspections and, we welcome full or part-time C are for chiidren from 6 weeks ot age! For information cail: 686-3995 Wth a icensed Agency MwHmD«