John and I served together for several years as deans at Trinity Western University.  Over that time I came to respect John not only as a leader in his own academic field but also as someone who could provide fresh insight into a question that came before us as a Deans Council. 

John is a very clear thinker and always speaks to the heart of the issue under consideration.  He is very articulate and can speak to issues with clarity. This is often done in a spirit of good humor which can break the ice in tense situations. 

My sense is that he would continue to be an excellent school trustee, based on his understanding of academic issues and his clear insight into solving problems.

Despite appearances to the contrary, I do not believe John Sutherland sees his involvement as an Abbotsford Board of Education trustee for the last twenty-four years as a second career path to parallel his long term professional vocation as a Business professor, School of Business Dean, and
Academic Vice-President.

As a former Abbotsford School Board trustee whose nine-year tenure overlapped with John's, as well as a professorial colleague with him at Trinity Western University for a number of years, I have had extensive opportunity to observe him in action. He combines excellent communication skills with an in-depth, perceptive understanding of the important role the Board of Education plays in fostering the educational excellence that the Abbotsford school system is so well known for.

Frankly, I am amazed at John's admirable willingness to continue his "trusteeship" with the Abbotsford Board for yet another term. One thing is certain. His learning curve about what's involved will be very short! And his wonderful sense of humour will serve as an effective means to relieve the frequent tedium of Board deliberations about budgets, boundaries, and buses, etc.

I commend him unreservedly as a candidate for re-election, on November 19th, as an Abbotsford Board of Education trustee.

It is my pleasure to endorse John Sutherland for Abbotsford School Trustee.  John has depth, experience and wisdom.  He understands the trust that parents place in him as a member of the Board of Education. He listens to, and more importantly respects, the concerns and views of parents. He also understands how good governance can lead to outstanding performance by our educators and prove our students are the best, anywhere.  I'll be voting for John and encouraging my friends to do the same.

I have had the privilege of knowing John Sutherland for the past year in my capacity as Co-Chair and Physician for the new Abbotsford Youth Health Centre, and I fully support his desire to serve a 10th straight term as an Abbotsford School Board Trustee.  He is an honest, ethical, open-minded person, and it is evident to me that he is deeply committed to our community and to the well-being of Abbotsford's Youth. I believe his continued presence on our School Board will ensure that Youth and Education issues remain a priority in our community.

It is my privilege to support John Sutherland for School Trustee in SD# 34. Over the past few years, I have worked together with John on the Abbotsford Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission and I have witnessed his experience and commitment on many occasions.

John has the distinct ability to listen carefully, evaluate an issue and then offer his valued insight to work toward a successful solution. Our community needs and deserves the leadership and dedication of John Sutherland.

Thank you for your generous commitment to serve our community.

I wish you many blessings and a successful campaign!

Mark Duyns, Chair
Abbotsford Sport Council

John Sutherland possesses experience, competence, commitment, and
creativity. I am grateful for the contributions John has made in the past
and value his ongoing willingness to serve our community.

Pastor Christoph Reiners

I have known John Sutherland for 25 years and have found him to be a man of integrity and honor.  He has demonstrated a consistent commitment to serving the community through a variety of  avenues.  I have every confidence that he will continue to be an excellent school trustee."   

Lynn Dawes,
Nurse and Clinical Coordinator

I fully support John Sutherland's bid for re-election.  As a parent of school age children in the district, what stands out to me about John is how respectful he has always been of children and their parents. John has shown himself to be trustworthy and sincere and he has my vote!

Norina Friesen, Dunach parent

John Sutherland and I served together on the Abbotsford Board of Education for 21 years. There were great times when cutting edge programs came together, new schools were built, teachers captured provincial headlines for their expertise, and students made us proud.  Of course, there were tough
times as well particularly when we struggled with growth challenges and funding problems.   But whether we were in the heights or the depths, you could count on John to be level-headed, insightful, creative, encouraging, and wise. He provided leadership on issues that required courage as well as
competence.  Does the board of education still need these qualities in these uncertain economic  times?  You know they do.  A vote for John Sutherland will ensure that wisdom, leadership and experience will be there in the best interests of students and their families.

John G. Smith
City Councilor and former Board of Education Chair

I endorse John Sutherland for re-election to the Abbotsford Board of Education. John's commitment to community is evident in his dedication to provide the best schooling for our children. I believe education as a right is tempered with education as a social responsibility. John upholds the principles of reciprocal teacher/student and parent/child relationships that strengthen the education processes. Our community is stronger because we have people like John representing and promoting our views on the Board. John also contributes to the multicultural fabric of Abbotsford to make it a stronger,
vibrant, caring, sharing and engaged community.

Vote for John Sutherland!

Satwinder Bains
Director
Centre for Indo Canadian Studies
University of the Fraser Valley