Race in Subdivision Two, all others acclaimed for NESD

Trew was originally born and raised in the R.M. of Moose Range, and has lived in Carrot River for 25 years since returning to the area. Trew told northeastNOW he was approached about running for school board. He said at first he was surprised, but after thinking about it, he wanted to run. He’s been on the school community council at the high school and both his children attended school there. Also working for the Town of Carrot River as the town administrator, Trew said he wanted to participate on the board and help the whole division.

Kevin Trew. (submitted photo/NESD)

One main topic on Trew’s mind is the new school that is going to be built in Carrot River that will combine the high school, and the elementary school. Trew currently serves on the planning committee for the build and would have to remove himself from that post if elected to the board.

“There’s a lot of work there that’s going to be done on a local level,” he said. “And of course, the school division and the school board also has a big role in that.”

Trew also discussed the importance of having conversations surrounding school closures, and including all parties in that decision process. One school in the area that has been mentioned in that conversation is in Arborfield.

“I think it’s really important that there’s a strong voice talking about opposing that,” Trew said. “Or talking about making sure that all conversations regarding school closures are done with the public involvement.”

He added being elected would not affect his current position with the Town of Carrot River.

The opposing candidate in Subdivision Two will be Mervin Edwards. Edwards is a farmer and business man in Arborfield currently, but previously spent time in the Town of Biggar where he served as Alderman for 19 years. He currently operates a heavy truck sales and service operation in Arborfield.

Mervin Edwards. (submitted photo/NESD)

Edwards said one topic on the top of his mind are school repairs over brand new builds. The example he used was with a school in Carrot River that had roof issues, and apparently could not be fixed, hence leading to a new school.

Edwards added with COVID-19, he wants to help the board tighten the budget to make sure they can stay afloat.

“Maintain a good level of education, and our tax dollars spent well,” he said. “That’s my aim right now, to make sure the kids get the best education right now for as little as we can put into it.”

Also tied with the COVID-19 pandemic, he said some schools might be too crowded.

“We’ve got lots of space in some schools that aren’t being fully utilized,” Edwards said. “And I think the crowded ones should bring them students out here where we can keep our social distancing and control the disease in the northeast part of the province.”

Six of the other NESD Subdivisions already know who their representatives will be.

Subdivision One: Kathrene Bank

Subdivision Three: Dustin Kelsey

Subdivision Four: Kevin Graham

Subdivision Six: Lori Kidney

Subdivision Seven: Ted Kwitakowski

Town of Nipawin: Marla Walton

Subdivision Five is set to have a byelection in the near future according to the NESD.

–

mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6

by Mat Barrett

Race in Subdivision Two, all others acclaimed for NESD

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