Freedom Flyer 33

In his letter, Vaughan triumphs his own interests (Nov. 29) T.E. (Tom) Costello suggests that my recent actions as a trustee at the London board of education were in my self-interest. He also inaccurately suggests that because I opposed the teacher's strike I was in favor of Bill 160 and not acting in the best interests of the students and staff and serving the public.

My criticism of Bill 160 is a matter of record. I suggest Costello and others look up the Ontario Hansard website to see exactly what I said about the bill during my presentation to the government committee in Chatham on Oct 23.

As to Costello's opinion that I was putting my own interests above those of the public, I fail to see how opposing the single biggest voting block for trustee, that is teachers, during an election for that office can be acting in my best interest. As well, the polls revealed a substantial percentage of the public were in favor of the strike. I certainly expected my stand on the issue to to cost me the election. As it turned out, over 24,000 Londoners apparently agreed with the way I was serving them and chose to re-elect me.

As a trustee, I believed it my responsibility to oppose any employee group who would illegally break their agreement with the board, illegally prevent London children from receiving an education, and illegally prevent the many teachers who wanted to work from doing so. It would have been nice to have had the support of my fellow trustees (and Costello). However, we apparently have different views on how best to serve the public interest.