Another Chilliwack resident has stepped forward to announce a run for school trustee.
David Swankey will have a unique path to tread leading up to the Oct. 20 municipal election as he runs for school board while serving as campaign manager for Sam Waddington’s mayoral bid.
Swankey has a background in political science, he says with an interest that has helped inform his community involvement since moving to Chilliwack with his wife in 2014.
He’s been a member of the Transportation Advisory Committee since 2015, and he used that position to help inform the establishment of Cycle Chilliwack, a cycling advocacy group that has been active over the past year.
• READ MORE: Cycle Chilliwack rolling out with inaugural meeting Feb. 5
Swankey also helped in the formation and execution of Chilliwack Votes during the 2015 federal election, “aiming to inspire and engage, both constituents and candidates, in a dialogue that speaks to the issues of Chilliwack-Hope.”
Swankey’s wife is a teacher in the district and the couple welcomed their first child last year.
“[I see] a board struggling to keep up with a fast changing community, and unable to find unity around some of the key issues it faces,” he said in a press release.
He said his platform addresses the need for renewed relationships between the board and their partners, the challenge of the school district’s infrastructure deficit, and the opportunity for expanded outdoor education and active learning.
Swankey’s full platform can be found at www.davidswankey.com.
Swankey is the fourth person to announce a run for school board, behind community activist Willow Reichelt, and sitting trustees Dan Coulter and Barry Neufeld who have said they will run for re-election.
Of the remaining five current trustees, Heather Maahs, Paul McManus, Walt Krahn and Bob Patterson all told The Progress they were yet to decide if they would run for re-election. Silvia Dyck did not respond to an email asking the question.
• READ MORE: Local community activist to run for Chilliwack school board
• READ MORE: Neufeld will run again on ‘gender positive’ platform
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