” Phil Pothen is the strong advocate and effective organizer our community needs as Toronto District School Board trustee. I’ve come to know him as a leader in the community’s push for better school facilities, a safe walk to school, and a host of other issues that matter to kids and parents in this part of the city. I know that he’ll work with the community to ensure the changes that we need.”Janet Davis,
City Councillor for Ward 31, Beaches-East York
Pamela Grant,
Advocate for Gender Equality & Non-Profit ED (Google her)
“In every local elected office the job description has now changed…We need people who ready and willing now to go head-to-head with Doug Ford. As a lawyer and experienced …organizer… Phil has a great track record of listening to people and getting results. He is also the only candidate with both the willingness and the wherewithal to …defend public education in Beaches-East York from day one.”
Michael Prue, Former MPP
Former Mayor of East York
I am pleased to endorse Phil Pothen for Beaches-East York, TDSB Ward 16 trustee! I’ve worked on community based committees with Phil over the past few years and seen his commitment to our community and his insights and talent for looking at the big picture. Phil is the candidate who’s ready to work and improve the many challenges of equity, traffic safety /safe walk, overcrowded and decaying school facilities and an outdated sex ed curriculum .The TDSB is in desperate need of the keen grasp of legal and urban issues that Phil will provide.
Anne Howatt, Urban Forest Advocate & Danforth East Community Organizer
“I am pleased to support Phil Pothen for Beaches-East York, Ward 16 trustee! For too long, the usual slate of candidates who promise “better” have not been able to improve local schools. It’s time for change. We need energetic and knowledgeable people like Phil Pothen on the Toronto District School Board. Phil has two important qualities we need at the TDSB: Vital urban planning skills (community hubs won’t happen without that) and a deep commitment to equity, understanding how gender, race and income affect students’ learning.”
Diane Dyson,
Director of Research and Policy, Woodgreen Community Services (on leave) / Candidate for City Councillor, Ward 35 (formerly Ward 31, Beaches-East York)
“I am endorsing Phil Pothen for Ward 16 TDSB Trustee. Phil is committed to working to better our schools and assure our children’s interests. He is well-versed in the laws and policies that affect local schools and children and he comes with fresh ideas for making things better. I’m excited to work with Phil as our next Toronto District School Board Trustee.”
Rima Berns-McGown,
MPP-Elect, Beaches-East York
There could be no better advocate for our public education system than tireless community-builder and father, Phil Pothen. Phil’s emphasis on making sure that kids in every neighbourhood have access to safe walking routes to school is the kind of intelligent and socially just work that needs a champion. And with his impressive record engaging local government, proactive measures like this are sure to be in front of the right decision-makers.”
Denise Pinto,
Global Director, Jane’s Walk (2013-2016)
2016 Vital Person, Toronto Foundation
Phil is someone I trust to advocate on behalf of children and families at the TDSB for a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Phil will make sure that our voices are heard, especially on crucial issues like ensuring a modern, progressive sex-ed curriculum. Phil is a great leader who will prioritize making all TDSB schools supportive for LGBT children and families.
Christine Davies, Gledhill Parent,
Partner, Goldblatt Partners LLP
“I fully endorse Phil Pothen as the Toronto District School Board’s Ward 16 Trustee. Phil’s primary concern is for students’ wellbeing – now, next year, and in the long term future. Specifically Phil has spearheaded our School’s campaign to alleviate our current and projected overcrowding, and removing students from portables and into expanded permanent classrooms. He has been fundamental in the growth of a strong School Council and meeting the needs of our students, staff, and parents. I am impressed by Phil’s approachable nature while still having an eye on the larger political landscape. ”
Rob Wallis,
Chair, Danforth Village Residents’ Association
Principal, Outward Bound Canada
“As our community continues to grow and become more diverse, we need a Trustee that has a demonstrated commitment to tackling systemic inequality and expertise in city politics and planning. Phil is an effective and well recognized education and community advocate. He has been successfully championing for a permanent extension to the Second Elementary school building and has rallied the community to ensure traffic safety around our schools. His keen understanding of municipal and provincial politics will allow him to cut through the red tape and ensure the issues that matter most to families and students are addressed by both the TDSB and our elected officials. Working alongside Phil on Secord Elementary’s Parent Council, I have seen first hand the commitment and passion Phil has for his community and the education of our children.”
Yona Nestel
Global Education Expert and Humanitarian Worker
Giving in to a bully never ever works. We need a trustee who we can rely on to defend special education, and ensure that lower-income and immigrant-heavy schools and communities (which often cast fewer votes) aren’t sacrificed in the rush to deal with this provincial government’s cutbacks. Regardless of how you vote provincially or federally, Phil Pothen is the right choice for TDSB in Beaches-East York because he’s the only candidate with the special skills and personal commitment to do that.
Zulfiquar Ali
East York Parent & Business Owner former Executive, Beaches-East York Ontario Liberal Association
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