Nov. 30, 2018 is a significant day in Larry Killens' life.
It marks the end of his term as the trustee for Manitoulin Island residents at the Rainbow District School Board.
It is probably also a significant day for the current chair, Doreen Dewar.
Despite the vicious attempt by his peers to silence trustee Killens by banning him from representing our interests at the RDSB table for the last five months of his tenure, an act that is under investigation by the Ontario Ombudsman's office as to its legality, he remains to be, in my eyes, and I am certain in the eyes of many of those he represented, students and parents alike, a man of integrity, honesty and tenacity.
Larry fought for the rights of those he represented by being outspoken on issues that were of concern to the students of Manitoulin.
Higher-than-acceptable lead levels in the water, lack of transportation for students to attend off-island sports competitions and field trips, excessive spending of our tax dollars on a bubble dome in Sudbury that our students will no doubt not be able to take advantage of are just a few.
December 1 marked the first day that Larry will be able to speak about the RDSB without being censored. He is now able to speak out without fear of repercussion, and I am sure that he will hold feet to the fire if he thinks that the interests of the students here on Manitoulin Island are not being well served.
I am certain that the "old rank and file" of the board will no doubt ignore him, and the audacity of those who question them, much as they have in the past, but therein lies his tenacity,
I want to sincerely thank Larry Killens for his longtime public service in representing the interests of the students and parents of Manitoulin Island and wish him good health in the years to come.
You, sir, are a gentleman.
Kim Bilbija
Kagawong