What's Up Doc?

A reader seeks to understand the ruckus about the appointment to a temporary support position with the town on a fee for service basis. "What damage is being done?" she asked.

The controversy was about the manner of the appointment. The need arose from a resignation. Weeks were left for the task of administrative assistant to the Director of Finance. The person recommended for the position was a member of the town committee appointed to oversee, among other things, the creation of a management structure for the Arts and Culture Centre at the Church Street school.

There was no competition, for the job and no documentation of credentials. The individual chosen was an open and active supporter of the Mayor in her election campaign and a friend of long-standing.

Subsequently, there was a flurry of public commentary questioning the propriety. The issue died down with the Mayor's statement that a decision to accept the appointment had not been made ..

Weeks later, it occurred to me, council had not been informed of the status. The need for assistance had been urgent. Hence suspension of normal process. I had not yet seen a notice of acceptance or resignation from the committee by the member.

I inquired of staff. There had been none, I learned. I raised the question publicly.

That's when the fecal matter hit the fan. I was bitterly accused of all manner of villainy by the Mayor and several cohorts, Councillor Wilson in particular.

As it transpires, there is no record of appointment or resignation. The person did accept the position and simply stopped attending meetings as a member, while attending as a resource person receiving pay for service.

From my perspective, there is clear and obvious risk of Conflict of Interest. I indicated a legal opinion was required... The mayor ruled instead that I needed to submit a resolution to that effect.

In public affairs, there is a maxim tried and true:

"It is not enough for things to be right. They have to appear to be right"

A great noisy ruckus is one way to deflect attention from the facts when things do not appear to be right..