By Misha Lauenstein

I am running as an independent to give voters an alternative to Vancouver’s municipal parties.

Having worked in a number of environments with people who each had their own opinions and requirements, I found that the most successful decisions have been those where everyone has had a voice and helped to work towards a consensus.

I feel that a board made up of just one or two similar parties will make decisions that are not supported by a large number of people on the other end of the spectrum. A board with several different viewpoints that have come together ends up making decisions that will be accepted by the largest number of people.

It is for this reason that I urge voters not to vote just for one party, but to split your votes amongst all of the parties and independents.

I would appreciate your vote on November 19.

Thank you very much.

Misha Lauenstein is an independent candidate for the Vancouver school board.