Residents of Wards 1 and 2 in Burlington head to the polls this month in a by-election to fill the vacant trustee seat on the Halton District School Board (HDSB). BurlingtonToday reached out to all 8 of the registered candidates to find out why they are running and their mandates if elected.Today, meet Robbie Brydon.
Candidate background
I am a Research Coordinator at McMaster University, with a Masters degree in Economics. I study the connection between income and health and have previously studied housing and education.
Political/leadership experience
This is my first time seeking public office, though I have held senior roles in local political campaigns. I served as Vice-President of a Board with a similar structure to HDSB, where members set policy goals and oversee budgets, and I recently led a major fundraising campaign that raised over $1 million.
Why are you running?
I am running to make sure our kids have the resources and the supportive environment they need to grow and thrive. As a resident of Ward 2 and proud Tom Thomson dad, I am also running to ensure there is a voice at the Board that can speak to our community's needs.
What do you see as the key challenges facing HDSB?
Many students and families are facing challenges following the disruptions of the pandemic. We need to provide academic and mental health resources for students who are struggling and we need to make sure our schools are safe, inclusive environments for all kids. Our community needs a local voice for issues such as boundary reviews, like Glenview and Maplehurst just went through; the suspension of before- and after-care at Tom Thomson; and the big questions that will be coming up around a possible redevelopment of the Central campus.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
The budget is up for approval immediately following the election and I want to make sure the Board prioritizes investments in student supports. Following that, Trustees will review the Board's multi-year plan. I want to ensure that we are focused on student success, continuing to make our schools safe and inclusive places for all kids, and listening to our community when we set the Board’s priorities.
Why should residents vote for you?
I am an experienced leader dedicated to making sure our kids have excellent local public schools and I have the fiscal background to navigate budgets effectively, ensuring our investments align with our values.
Online voting in the Ward 1-2 trustee by-election is May 15-19. Advance polls will be held Wednesday, May 24 and election day is Monday, May 29. Find out more on the HDSB website.
