Back To The Exodus

The Mayor and Council's administrative assistant was first to leave.

I noticed e-mails emanating from her office late in the evening. Long past time she should have been home enjoying life with her family. It wasn't the norm. It was steadily growing.

At the beginning of the previous term, Councillor Morris had stationery printed" From The Office of the Deputy-Mayor". Former Councillor George Timpson had done the same thing when he topped the poll his second time out.

On that occasion,the Clerk lost no time informing him it was out of order. The Mayor alone has authority to communicate on behalf of Council; the Clerk communicates on behalf of the municipality.

This time, the administrative assistant was charged with the unpleasant task. It shouldn't have been that way but it was.

The late hours of work for the administrative assistant in the new regime caused me concern which I relayed to the CAO. A person accepts employment with certain working conditions. I do not believe an employer has a right to change the conditions except in extraordinary circumstances.

There were no extraordinary circumstances. Aside from my personal concern for the employee's well-being, I foresaw a need being contrived for additional staff.

It took longer than I thought. Inevitably the day came when the employee took her leave.

Her relationship with the former Mayor and Councillors had been mutually respectful, always helpful, professional and friendly.

It was a personal loss and a sad day.

A dinner was arranged at a local restaurant. Director's attended. Councillor Collins Mrakas brought flowers. The Mayor attended and left before the tab was extended.