Byelection Survey Question 3

Do you believe local decision-makers should take responsibility for local decisions, or do you believe decisions are best made centrally?

Wards 4 & 7

 

Joe Degagne:

 

Local decisions made by local decision-makers Otherwise it is overreaching.

 

Dan Penna:

 

Decision-making should devolve to the lowest practical level. This is part of the Catholic social justice teaching called subsidiarity. Over-centralization of decision-making usually results in wasteful spending, ineffective planning and poorly implemented decisions.

 

Maria-Teresa Vecchio-Romano:

 

Candidate did not complete our survey.

 


 

Wards 11 & 12

 

Steve Chapman:

 

I have always believed that the decision makers closest to the problem make better decisions than those who are removed from it. I have also protested the use of one size solutions being applied across the board when a more surgical approach will yield superior results.

 

Kimberly Cichon:

 

Those leaders closest to an issue usually make the most effective and efficient decisions. Empowering local decision-makers ensures better outcomes for our students, educators, and communities.

 

Laura Dennison:

 

I believe in the principle of subsidiarity—decisions are best made at the local level to the greatest extent possible. This principle, rooted in Catholic social teachings, emphasizes that decisions should be made at the level closest to the people they affect, with higher authorities stepping in only when necessary. That said, I recognize that provincial legislation, such as the Education Act, prescribes how certain decisions must be made, setting boundaries within which local decision-making operates.
As a parent, School Council Chair, and Society President, I’ve seen firsthand that the strength of decision-making lies in collaboration. When parents are actively engaged in discussions and contribute their insights, and when staff bring their expertise to operationalize these ideas within the constraints of available resources, the results are far more effective. This collaborative approach allows for a balanced consideration of fiscal realities alongside aspirational goals, ensuring the best possible outcomes for students and the broader community.
As a trustee, I would advocate for empowering local voices in decision-making processes and fostering meaningful engagement between families, educators, and leadership. This approach not only respects the principle of subsidiarity but also strengthens trust, accountability, and the overall effectiveness of our education system.

 

Chantelle Dur:

 

Local decision-makers should take responsibility for local decisions, reflecting the Catholic principle of subsidiarity, which calls for decisions to be made at the most local level capable of addressing an issue effectively.