INNISFAIL – Todd Becker will be hanging around in town a while longer, and that suits council and staff just fine.
In fact, on April 11 they conspired to send the chief administrative officer a heartfelt message that clearly underscored their joy that he’s staying put.
So much so, it sent the veteran chief administrative officer reeling in shock, albeit the smiling with delight kind, with a special moment before council’s regular meeting to honour his 30 years of municipal government management service.
On March 31, Jack Benzaquen, president of the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA), sent Town of Innisfail Mayor Jean Barclay a letter to tell her that under CAMA’s Long Service Recognition Awards Program, Becker’s dedication to public service and municipal management would be recognized with a pin.
However, council members and staff had other ideas.
Barclay surreptitiously organized a surprise gathering 45 minutes before the regular council meeting on April 11.
“Thirty years is a milestone and we’re very grateful that Todd has made Innisfail part of his journey, and I thought it would be nice for council and the senior leadership team to get together and surprise him with his favourite carrot cake, and a gift and a card. It was a nice surprise for him,” said Barclay, adding she and council are pleased Becker recently signed a new five-year contract to remain in Innisfail.
“He has demonstrated great leadership skills in the community. Todd has done a wonderful job in bringing the community together and has a great vision as to where this community can go, and along with council we’re in a really good spot.”
Along with his prized carrot cake and a card, Becker received a boxed gift of two old-fashioned vinyl LPs of Innisfail school band performances in 1974 and 1980; an inspired token of appreciation from local community builder Sue Haddow.
The 1974 album features the mayor, then a young high school student, playing the trumpet, while the 1980 LP has Haddow playing flute.
“That was Sue’s idea to do that. I did not know what was in the box, so what a nice surprise and fun,” said Barclay.
As for Becker, he was clearly moved by the special acknowledgement and surprise celebration he encountered when he walked into the council chamber.
“I was totally surprised to see council and the team there,” said Becker. "It was really cool. I was so surprised to be recognized that way, for sure.”
For him it is also a moment to reflect on the past 30 years serving several communities, including Assiniboia, Sask. where he started his municipal government career in 1991 at the age of 23 as that town’s recreation facility supervisor.
He would go on to serve other management positions in the Alberta municipalities of Vulcan, Crowsnest Pass, Vauxhall and Rocky Mountain House before signing his first five-year Innisfail contract in 2017 to serve as chief administrative officer.
Becker has signed again for another five years, a decision that was easy for him and his wife Laurie to make.
“The town has treated me really well,” he said. “I truly believe there is a fit. It could change at any time, or with any council but right now my relationship with the council and the community and the organization is really strong.
“I just see so many good things coming forward with council and the community. And I have the best team I have ever worked with.”
