Chronology of Sorts

Our new Chief Administrative Officer joined the town on Jan 5th 2009. I remember the date Treasurer John Gutteridge submitted his resignation the same day.

The budget had been prepared since September 2008; a target approved by Council. A schedule of meetings had also been approved but not followed. Since the exit of John Rogers our former Chief Administrator.

On the day Mr. Garbe joined the town, the Mayor marched into Mr. Gutteridge's office threw the budget on his desk. Made disparaging remarks and ordered him to start again. Mr. Garbe was present for that display.

The Mayor often comments how much she loves her job.

An item included in the new Chief Administrative Officer's budget was $65ks for a consultant study of the administrative organisation .

I did not support the 2009 budget. I chose to focus on the Library Board Budget which had been reduced. I didn't support the 2008 budget either. I referred to it as the Councillor Mac Eachern's budget which caused the Councillor some distress.

But it occurred to me, it might have been wise to know what the organisational structure was before one contemplated change. .

The study is complete. The 2010 budget includes $231ks to accommodate changes. .

I am not content. No obvious improvement jumps out to justify additional cost. No obvious merit appears from shifting from here and putting there of various responsibilities

I am aware of deficits in manpower in various areas.The situation is not improved from the top down.

Throughout the term, the main mal-function aspect of the town's administration in my view is political. Improvement is not likely to result from shifts in the administrative structure.

The Mayor and Councillor MacEachern spent hours after conclusion of council meetings at the town hall since the beginning of the term.

During the 2009 budget discussions, the entire group of six stayed behind in the Council Chamber after Council meetings were over.

For me, it is difficult to accept any recommendation for change from staff does not have prior imprimatur of the Mormac regime .