Trustee refuses to apologize
February 7, 2010
Raveena Aulakh
STAFF REPORTER
He's outspoken, is often quoted and is now involved in a public verbal duel.
Toronto District School Board trustee Josh Matlow is refusing to apologize for his scathing and public criticism of a board decision to spend $345,000 for a one-day conference at the Air Canada Centre.
"I know my comments were strong but I stand by them," Matlow said Saturday. "I need to hold the board to account for how they spend the tax dollars, especially when we have lost so many support staff and programs."
On Wednesday, the cash-strapped school board approved $1.7 million for education director Chris Spence's vision that includes a one-day teachers' conference for $345,000 – $195,000 of that for delegates' commemorative booklets. Matlow told the Toronto Sun it was "insane."
"The TDSB has told parents they're going to have to close schools and cut support staff and shut down youth-at-risk programs because they don't have enough money. To turn around and go on a drunken spending binge is shameful," he was quoted as saying.
On Friday, chair Bruce Davis sent him a letter asking him to retract his statement and apologize to Spence and other trustees by Feb. 8.
"His comments were way out of line ... attacking the board and the director," said Davis, adding there was a "ferocious debate" when the funds were approved.
"The morning after, he can't attack the board." Matlow's critics say he has crossed a line.
"He will do anything to get himself elected again ... even if it means giving the board a black eye," said trustee Sheila Cary Meagher.
But Matlow, trustee for St. Paul's ward, says his right to speak is being violated.
It's the first time the board has challenged anyone under Bill 177 – which deals with conduct of school board members – and Davis acknowledged he has to figure out how to enforce it.
"I don't want to make more out of it than required," said Davis, adding he wasn't keen on taking it to court and spending money on lawyers.
"I'm still hopeful he will retract his comments," he said.
Vision of Hope, a three-year plan for the school, passed 17-2, he pointed out.
Unveiled by Spence last year, the plan focuses on student achievement, parent and community engagement and fiscal stability. It includes the creation of an all-boys school and a parent academy.
Matlow, who voted against it, said he supported many "items in the vision but I couldn't vote to approve $345,000 for a one-day conference. My job is to be a steward of public tax dollars." Davis and Matlow spoke on the phone Saturday but Matlow said nothing had changed.
"All I can say is I'm not going to meet the deadline for the apology."
Toronto Star