Robert Hornsey, for trustee.
• Occupation:
Owner/director of the Bergthorson Academy of Musical Arts with studios in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
• Political experience/qualifications for running in this election:
A resident of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows for 25 years, my youngest daughter graduated from Pitt Meadows elementary French immersion, then graduated Thomas Haney secondary.
Now 16 years as owner/director of the Bergthorson Academy of Musical Arts, studios in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, 500 students and 20 instructors.
Have a degree in clinical psychology, further community development studies, was honoured as a “Fellow of Frontier College” for literacy work in First Nations communities, helped University of Toronto department of education measure positive impacts of out of school education experiences for Toronto high school students.
• Reason for running:
This is my hometown. I believe as trustee I can make a positive contribution. Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows now home for 25 years. My daughter graduated from Pitt Meadows elementary and Thomas Haney. It is undeniable, our children and youth are the future. I have dedicated decades to working with children, youths, special needs young people, children at risk, their families and communities, First Nations organizations and new Canadians. My passion helping others become the most they can be, combined with my education, business experience, financial services background, experience working with unions and diverse social communities, ideally suit me for this role.
• What do you consider to be the top two issues this election and how would you address them?
Kids always come first. I want to ensure all students have an environment and experience that is a safe, inspiring and effective preparation for success. As a school board, our single direct employee is the superintendent. We need to be sure she has the support, guidance and resources to continue the fine job she is doing.
Management of resources in a growing changing community will always be a challenge requiring a strong voice and clear vision for strategically planning into the future. Next year will be a contract year that will bring an interesting set of considerations as the district catches up with staffing levels illegally adjusted by previous governments. This will come into play as the government introduces a “new funding formula.” These factors will keep us all on our toes.
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