An endorsement tells people something about the values organizations see in a candidate. It doesn't give anyone control over how I vote.

My responsibility as a trustee would be to students and to the school district as a whole.

In fact, I think my labour relations experience is useful. I understand collective agreements, workplace relationships and how disagreements can escalate when communication breaks down. I also understand that good labour relations don't mean one side always gets what it wants. They depend on clear roles, respectful relationships and finding workable solutions.

I was endorsed by the Teachers. They told me that they interviewed the three people running for school board in Oak Bay and they chose to endorse me after the interviews. Their endorsement advised that they were recommending candidates who stand for things like addressing violence in classrooms, supporting climate initiatives, making sure students have the support they need in the classroom and that schools are safe spaces for learners. 

If an issue ever created an actual conflict of interest for me, I would follow the appropriate rules and disclose it.