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Marlon Picken
Candidate for: Hamilton, Ward 7, School Board Trustee
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Dear Neighbour,
My name is Marlon Picken, and I want to represent you, and your children, as your School Trustee in Ward 7. I grew up in this Ward where I attended both Cardinal Heights and Hill Park.
Hill Park is threatened with closure a closure that I believe is the wrong decision for the most heavily populated Ward in Hamilton. I believe we need to keep Hill Park open. In fact, I believe we need vision and leadership to expand its scope by forming partnerships with the artistic and cultural communities to develop programming to establish Hill Park as a community hub. For this to be possible, we will have to fight to save Hill Park. I’m committed to leading this fight on all of our behalf. Hill Park must continue to serve our community for generations to come.
Students and families face other issues in our Ward. The cost of sending our children to school is ever increasing. Fundraising by our kids is not the answer. Schools in wealthier districts are capable of raising private funds to support schools in their own neighbourhoods, without any consideration of need. Public schools must stay public, and funding must remain equal across the board. Fifty million has been raised since 2005, and we must make sure that our schools receive equal consideration when it comes to the allocation of these and other funds.
Many students face barriers to their learning and success at our schools. Some of those barriers are based on learning ability, family income, sexual orientation, race, or gender. I support the new Equity Policy for students. But, a policy no matter how well written and well intentioned is only successful if it’s actually implemented.
As your Trustee, you will be able to count on me to honestly and to fairly represent your interests. I will listen. I will seek to understand. I will commit to sharing your voice at School Board meetings. I will demonstrate strong and balanced leadership.
My candidacy for School Board Trustee is a natural extension of the kind of involvement I’ve demonstrated throughout my life. From writing articles about educational and social issues, to getting involved directly in the Ontario Health Coalition, to my role as a steward in CUPE 7800, as a delegate to the Hamilton Labour Council, and as Chair of the Human Rights and Peace Committee. Currently, I work at the Henderson Hospital where I’m an Environmental Aide.
I’m involved because I believe progressive change only ever comes about when each citizen takes an interest in the future of his or her community.
October 25th is a day when progressive change can once again be on the School Board agenda. It’s on that day I hope you will select my name as your Trustee. Well before that day, I look forward to meeting you and your family at your front door and in the community.
Sincerely,
Marlon Picken
Candidate for Ward 7 School Board Trustee
Contact information: M: 905.902.7707 W: marlonpicken.ca
