A race has developed for the Wards 1 and 2 trustee seat on the Halton District School Board.
With only two days left before the close of nominations, two men have filed papers seeking to be elected to the board.
Matthew Diodati and Omar Kayed will compete for the seat made vacant as a result of the decision by incumbent Leah Reynolds not to seek re-election.
Nominations close late Friday, so more nominations are possible. The Wards 1 and 2 trustee position represents Aldershot and downtown Burlington.
Mr. Diodati is a 39-year-old financial services worker employed by a major bank. He lives in Aldershot has children attending King’s Road Public School.
“I have three children who are in the school system. I want to do my best to make sure that children of all ages have the most opportunities available to them.”
Diodati has spoken to some of his neighbours about the trustee role and was surprised to hear concerns related to health and safety, including the need for greater air filtration in local schools.
“The main thing that I would focus on is being a resource for the community…really being a conduit to the board, being a resource for people in the neighbourhood. …The more I can do to help out, to make sure people have a voice, the better off the community will be.”
He also believes that his master’s degree in finance and sustainability will help the board.
“My background is in financial services and asset management. I’m hoping I can use my skill set, as well as my network, to help the community in any way I can.”
The other candidate, Mr. Kayed, has so far not responded to media calls or emails.
The election is October 24.
