News Release

“Don’t Blame the Minister” Says McCluskey

(Tuesday, January 30, 2007)-- Councillor Gloria McCluskey said today that Education Minister Karen Casey toured Dartmouth High School this afternoon at her invitation-- and that she had also personally invited Councillor Jim Smith to attend.

Councillor McCluskey said Dartmouth High School is located on the boundary between her District and Councillor Smith’s. As a result, the high school draws its student population from both Districts.

The Councillor said that her four children and a grandchild all attended Dartmouth High School. In addition, another grand child is a student at the school this year.

“I think that I am just as familiar with the condition of, and the issues facing, Dartmouth High School as Councillor Smith,” she said. “The school is on the boundary line of District 5 and District 9, and I think Councillor Smith’s attendance on the tour today would have been helpful to the Minister as well.”

Councillor McCluskey said it was unfortunate that Councillor Smith accused Minister Casey of something which she knew nothing about. “The simple and plain fact is that I invited the Minister to Dartmouth High. Councillor Smith was invited, but he chose not to come.”

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Councillor Gloria McCluskey
476-1667