Two CAOs in two years: Who’s next?

BARRY’S BAY – On July 11, an official statement on behalf of the Township of Madawaska Valley was released and confirmed Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Bryan Brown’s employment was terminated, and Councillor Shaun O’Reilly resigned.

The press release stated, “…Council terminated the employment contract with their Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Mr. Bryan Brown. Council will be reviewing its options for filling the vacant position and will keep the community apprised of any future decisions.”

This is not the first time council has made the decision to terminate a CAO.

In October of 2011, Pat Pilgrim’s employment with the township was also terminated.

O’Reilly’s resignation, as of July 10, was also confirmed in the same release.

“This is to advise that on July 19, 2013, Mr. Shaun O’Reilly tendered his resignation as a councillor for the Township of Madawaska Valley, effective immediately. Council will be reviewing the next steps related to this vacancy and will keep the citizens of Madawaska Valley apprised.”

On July 15, at the Township of Madawaska Valley’s routine council meeting, Mayor David Shulist announced publicly, both positions are officially vacant as per the Municipal Act.

Temporarily, Treasurer/Clerk Brenda Sabatine will be acting as CAO; until a new person is appointed, it was also announced.
A special meeting is scheduled to take place this Friday, July 19 at 9 a.m. to discuss in detail, potential candidates to fill the vacancy on council.

On the Monday evening, council decided they would consider both former candidates who ran in the most recent election, as well as members of the public, if individuals are interested in taking on the role of councillor for the next 15-16 months.

Story continues in the July 17, 2013 issue of The Valley Gazette