Everybody Knows

My age. Even the Globe and Mail put it in headlines.

I am prepared to concede some of my values and principles may be slightly old-fashioned. But they are mine. I'm not prepared to abandon them unless something better presents.

Here's a test; circumstances of a similar nature have caught my attention over a period of months

On a need to know basis, I need to know other people's reaction. Don't forget. I have a seat on council to keep an eye out for your interest.

This week, on a sparse agenda , these items presented..

A fervent appeal for food to be donated to food banks for people who do not have enough to keep body and soul together.(5000 in York Region)

Communications from Regional Councillor Virginia Hackson, chair of South Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority had some positive news.

The first was about a prize for watershed management. It was announced in Brisbane Australia and the chair, Regional Councillor Virginia Hackson and several staff members went there to receive it.

Organizations make applications for these "prizes" If you bag one it looks good on an employee resume and campaign literature.

The second is an invitation to "festivities" at Madsen's Greenhouse to celebrate the success of Authority programs to save the environment and "Watershed Heroes"

It's not that long since the Authority was able to hire staff only on short contracts because there were insufficient resources to provide full-time employment.

Closer to home:

In November 2008, a new Director of Corporate Services was appointed in Aurora. Notice was received from the former Director nine months previously. It took that long to fill the position

On Jan 5th a new Chief Administrative Officer took up his appointment. On that day, our Chief FInancial Officer submitted his resignation.

Around March, a new solicitor joined the administration.. The job had been vacant for almost a year.

In March ,the CAO took the March break as vacation .

The Director of Corporate Services took the week after.

In April a new Chief Financial Officer joined the administration.on a twelve month contract. Though there were more than three months notice of the vacancy no recruitment process had been undertaken. The Municipal Act requires municipalities to adopt a recruitment policy.

In June, the CAO took a second week of vacation.

During the kefuffle over the critical comment on the Aurora Citizen, the Mayor informed Council "for the past week and a half, the Directors had been unable to do any of their own work because of this problem"

At the same time council was informed "these people" have been "enticed" to join our administration.

I asked at that time for a copy of the CAO's contract. I needed to see the terms of reference for the job. YThey are always articulated in a contract.. I was informed by three departments, they were not aware of an existing contract.

Immediately after the 2009 budget was finalised, a consultant was selected to review the town's organization . Oh yes , there was also an off site, day long, conference of directors at a golf club around then as well.

In August, the CAO took the last week in July and the first week in August for vacation. As did the Director of Corporate Service and the Treasurer and the Director of Leisure Services who has been with the town for ten years.

In the middle of August, the CAO attended the same conference I did in Ottawa.

Yesterday, I heard of a golf tournament attended by the Mayor. Chief Administrative Officer and Town solicitor as guests of John Mascarin. Mr. Mascarin is the solicitor retained on a regular basis by the Mayor and Council majority

I am not telling anyone what. if anything. to think about all of this.

But I would certainly be interested to know.