Marriage and trusteeship: what a whirl!

Trusteeship and marriage go together like a horse and carriage, according to a Nanaimo-Ladysmith trustee couple

Married trustees on the same board? The idea might prompt visions of flying rolling pins – but not so, say Nanaimo-Ladysmith Trustees Nelson and Donna Allen. When the couple disagrees on an issue, it just means the dinner table gets a bit livelier.

“A lot of folks thought that it would be a problem for us to work together,” recalls Nelson, a former teacher and certified financial planner first elected in 1993. “Quite the contrary, we work very well together. In fact I know Donna so well that when another trustee makes some comment in a particular way, I think, ‘Oh boy, will Donna ever set that straight!’ ”

The Allens have found that their personalities are at once complementary and contrasting. Donna, a retired educator first elected in 2006, explains, “Nelson is an analyzer and I am a bottom-line person. I like to ‘cut through the chaff’ which isn’t always the best way to solve a problem. But together we complement each other in problem-solving. Nelson has taught me a great deal about process. He is very democratic – a characteristic I hold in high regard. He is also very funny, but you have to be really smart to get it!”

The experience has taught both of them that, years of marriage notwithstanding, there are still things they can find out about each other. Says Nelson, “I have learned a lot more about Donna’s skill sets, and respect how well she can get folks to see the essence of an issue. It’s a lot of fun being together.”

For Nelson, trusteeship was a natural transition from other community service. He started young: during high school in Prince George, as well as being an Air Cadet, he was elected mayor of Teen Town, an organization focused on developing leadership. As an adult, active in chambers of commerce and other service groups, Nelson served on Nanaimo City Council, the Nanaimo Regional District, Nanaimo Parks and Recreation Commission.

Donna, too, is continuing community work begun earlier. “Before I retired, I was active in building programs and developing initiatives to set students up for success. I wanted to continue working for the students in our district in a different venue.”

The couple insists that disagreements arising from board issues are a fun challenge, not a problem. “From the time we met we have debated issues,” says Donna. “Our home is one where ideas, current events, history, etc. are constantly discussed. Sometimes I think we drive our kids crazy. They often ask us for ‘just the short answer.’ ”

The secret, says Nelson, is that “basically Donna and I agree on fundamental principles. We do have different approaches on a number of issues and we do not always vote the same way. However, we respect and support our differences and recognize that a disagreement on an issue does not get in the way of our relationship.”

Sidebar

The Allens’ common goals

Both trustees agreed on this vision of what they’d like to accomplish in Nanaimo-Ladysmith:

In our community, we have a very high proportion of students who live in poverty or in challenging circumstances. We are passionate supporters of creating opportunities for young persons to access high education especially in the trades. We need more skilled workers.

We are very strong advocates for public education and have worked for over 40 years to help strengthen our system to make it accessible and equitable. We have a lot more work to do to ensure we do not lose our system to the private sector.

Sidebar:

Other community activities of a power couple

One of the founders of BC’s environmental movement in BC in the late 1960s, Nelson continues to work towards creating a sustainable system where we make changes in our lifestyles to reduce the ravages of exponential growth. He’s administrator of Pacific Gardens Cohousing, a group that’s building a 25-unit development in Nanaimo as a model for future community living. The development reduces the footprint on the environment and is a totally “green” project.

Donna is president of the Rotary Club of Nanaimo Daybreak. The Club has had a busy and fulfilling year, supporting both world and community projects. She’s also a member of Probus – the Rotary-sponsored club for retired professionals – and the Canadian Federation of University Women.