Community shows confidence in incumbent Catholic school trustees

By KENDALL KING, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on October 18, 2021.

Monday’s election results saw few changes within the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education. David Leahy, Kathy Glasgo, Richard Mastel and Rev. Mr. Robert Risling were all reelected as school board trustees. The only change in the board is the addition of Bernie Kinch who will be taking over Peter Grad’s seat. Grad did not run in this year’s election.

Leahy told the News Monday he is pleased with the results of the election.

“I’ve been fairly consistent in my positions … I’ve been open and honest with people about where I stand … people know that I’ve become quite knowledgeable about subjects and speak my mind … I think because people trust me that that was one of the main reasons I was able to get re-elected.”

Leahy is thankful to his supporters and is looking forward to his next term on the board.

“I was confident that with the slate of candidates that were running that we were able to get a board that would be really representative of the electorate and be able to work together to build Catholic education in Medicine Hat,” said Leahy.

Rev. Mr. Robert Risling felt similarly.

“Any configuration with the people that were running (for trustee positions) would be good,” he said.

Risling believes the re-election of trustees shows the community recognizes their individual contributions and supports them moving forward.

Kinch, he feels, will be a welcome addition to the board of trustees.

“I think Bernie will be great. I know Bernie personally,” Risling said. “I know he’s a good man and he’s been in education for a lifetime … He has a lot to contribute to the board so I look forward to working with (him).”

Kinch could not be reached for contact.

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