YRDSB VOTES: Candidate profile for Matthew Forbes -- Vaughan Wards 4 & 5 candidate

Thestar.com
Sept. 26, 2022
Brian Capitao

NAME: Matthew Forbes

OCCUPATION: Educator (train special needs kids how to use assistive technology)

WARD: 4&5

POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR: Trustee

PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: not much, some campaign volunteering here and there

WHY HAVE YOU DECIDED TO RUN?

The recent pandemic revealed a critical gap in our education system. Parents like me were left to our own devices without guidance or support, trying to figure out frequent rule-changes. We desperately need leaders who communicate with parents! I’m running to fill that gap.

HOW WILL YOU EMBRACE AND CHAMPION DIVERSITY?

Vaughan is an incredibly diverse community, and we need leaders who are able to go beyond their own personal experience in supporting parents and kids. For instance I'm Jewish, and my mother was Black, but I still care deeply about anti-Asian racism, Islamophobia, and the status of LGBTQ+ parents and students. We must embrace everyone's humanity and listen to their concerns.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE ISSUES?

1. Improve communication -- Parents never hear from trustees; we have no idea what, if anything, they do with their time, what they are deciding, or what discussions they're having. That must end.

2. Tackle all forms of hate head-on -- Even as a mere candidate, I have heard from countless voters who have described horrific experiences their children have faced in our schools. There is always more to be done: training, awareness, empathy, you name it. Enough is enough.

3. Battle anti-Semitism -- A top priority for all educators must be to keep their students safe, and that means battling the evil of anti-Semitism can never, ever rest.

IF ELECTED, WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH IN YOUR FIRST 100 DAYS?

The first thing I will do is set up a system of public communication. I will post to (social media) introducing myself and soliciting requests and suggestions. I will also start a log of my activity and post it publicly so everyone can see what I'm up to.