GUELPH – Katherine Hauser has swapped her seat as vice-chair of the Upper Grand District School Board for a seat in Guelph’s council chambers.
Hauser, a trustee for three years with the school board, was appointed to Guelph council on July 23, and fills an open seat vacated by former councillor turned Guelph Liberal MP, Dominique O’Rourke.
Hauser represented Puslinch and Guelph’s Ward 6 for the school board, served on finance and advisory committees, and was active with the Ontario Public School Board Association and policy development working group.
Before leaving, she spoke at length with other trustees, ensuring the timing was right.
“The support that I got from every single person that I spoke to about doing this was overwhelmingly positive,” she told the Advertiser.
Hauser is taking the transition — she called it a “natural step” — to municipal council in stride.
There’s a lot of luck too. She was chosen by draw for the year-long position, against Rebecca Adam — each received six votes from Guelph councillors.
But when the councillors who didn’t vote for her were the first offering congratulations, it meant a lot, she said.
Hauser said she appreciates her time with the school board, and will bring what she learned to chambers.
Along with supporting constituents, Hauser plans to add to conversations about the revitalization of Guelph’s downtown. She noted her many friends with businesses downtown, and said she wants to ensure they’re protected.
“The housing situation is pretty important as well,” she said, adding Guelph needs more affordable housing.
With her sights already on the next municipal election, she plans to run as a candidate once her current one-year term is up.
The UGDSB trustees could have held a by-election or appointed a previous election candidate or community member, but opted instead to appoint by nomination or application during a special meeting held on July 29.
Current trustee Alethia O’Hara-Stephenson was elected vice-chair of the board at the meeting.
“Alethia brings a wealth of experience from the corporate world, as a public speaker, a parent and from being an engaged member of the communities in Dufferin County,” UGDSB chair Ralf Mesenbrink stated in a press release.
The school board is now seeking nominees and applications to fill the trustee position vacated by Hauser.
“Katherine always put the needs of students and our multi-year strategic plan in mind when making decisions for the board,” Mesenbrink told the Advertiser.
“We will miss her leadership and insights.”
