In response to Mayor Brian Spiller's commentary last week (Jan. 17) in the Innisfail Province -- "CAO criticism grossly unfair," how can council assure us that "they have been fully informed and apprised of any dismissals carried out by the CAO" and the end result has always been justified, without them meeting with the individual that has been recommended to be dismissed?
In regard to the CAO unfairly taking the "brunt" of the criticism for the fire chief's dismissal - should some of it be laid elsewhere? The dismissals have been chosen by her sole judgment and passed on to council at her will.
In regard to the CAO being "unjustly maligned by falsehoods, innuendos and character assassination" -- this appears to be directed at our delegation. In the strongest of terms we must take exception to this. We find this very insulting.
The Citizens For Innisfail delegation has dealt with this conflict in a decent, respectful and democratic manner throughout, engaging with the public, town administration and council.
Regarding "privacy of employment records is a right afforded to employer and employee" -- referring to council not answering questions, this may be true, but the town should at least be able to tell its citizens what its vision and new direction for the fire department are.
And in regard to the statement, "Helen guides and mentors council to arrive at well informed decisions" -- council's sole employee, the CAO, should absolutely not be guiding or mentoring council on how to arrive at decisions based on the CAO's information. Where are the checks and balances?
Marg Fehr
Member of Citizens For Innisfail
