'Speed dating' event to meet school board trustees happens tonight

Residents of Waterloo region will have a chance to get to know prospective school board trustees over the next two weeks through a series of quick meet and greets.

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario-Waterloo Region is hosting three meetings for candidates runningin the Oct. 22 election.

"We only have a few weeks left to vet these candidates and to really learn about them," said Jeff Pelich, vice president of ETFO-WR.

"These are some people who make some pretty important decisions, and they are elected officials. We really think it's important to have an opportunity to ask some questions."

The all-candidate meetings will be informal, allowing residents to engage with their prospective trustees in small-group discussions.

Candidates who are vying for a place on the Waterloo Region District School Boardwill rotate around the room every five minutes, giving residents the chance to speak to every candidate if they so choose.

Pelich said it is the first time they are using the speed dating format, and candidates are excited to test it out.

"The feedback has been very positive from them and we hope to see as many as possible out on the different nights," he said.

The ETFO-WR will be hosting all-candidate meetings on the following dates:

• For Waterloo candidates: Monday, Oct. 1, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, Hauser Haus room, 101 Father David Bauer Dr., Waterloo
• For Kitchener candidates: Wednesday, Oct. 3, from 7 p.m. to9 p.m. Forest Heights Community Centre, 1700 Queen's Blvd., Kitchener
• For Cambridge candidates: Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 7 p.m. to9 p.m. Cambridge City Hall, Bowman Room A, 50 Dickson St., Cambridge