FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW CANDIDATES SAY CAMPAIGNING ON SIDEWALKS IS PART OF DEMOCRACY

Group will give brochures to parents outside George Jay Elementary on Wednesday

Victoria, British Columbia - November 16, 2011

Several trustee candidates for school board in District 61 are respectfully declining a request from the Victoria Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils to avoid campaigning on public sidewalks.

The candidates will stand on the sidewalk outside George Jay Elementary (1118 Princess Ave) on Wednesday, November 16th at 8:15am and again at 2:30pm to speak with parents. Rob Paynter, Edith
Loring-Kuhanga, Deborah Nohr and David Bratzer will also be available for media interviews.

VCPAC first made the request in a November 8th letter sent to all candidates. The letter asked candidates to respect the district policy against campaigning in schools and at school events. However, it then went a step further by asking candidates to respect the “spirit of the policy” and avoid campaigning on the public property adjacent to school grounds.

The BC Civil Liberties Association has now taken an interest in the situation. The candidates believe their ability to speak with parents on public sidewalks is protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Deborah Nohr, a teacher who is on leave as she seeks election, stated, “The comments from parents have been very positive. When we visit parents outside a school, it provides us with an opportunity to learn
about their concerns. It lets them know that we care about their school and their neighbourhood.”

Media Contacts:

David Bratzer
(250) 813-2117
www.bratzer.net

Deborah Nohr
(250) 380-0888
www.deborahnohr.ca

Edith Loring-Kuhanga
(250) 213-8761
www.electedith.ca

Rob Paynter
(250) 386-0896
www.robpaynter.ca