Linkie retires amidst council fanfare

A special presentation was given at City Hall Monday evening as Councillors took time out to recognize the good work and many achievements Dave Linkie has accomplished as well as bid adieu to the outgoing CAO.

Monday was his final council meeting before heading into retirement.

Humbled by compliments, Linkie said he is happily moving on from the City of North Bay's employment.

After 34 years of working his way from the basement to the top floor at the City, Linkie says it has come to the point in his career where it is time to move on and enjoy the relaxation of friends and family.

Linkie says he may also explore volunteering for community groups to keep himself active in the community he has long served.

“To be truthful, I don't have any plans,” he says.

Linkie pointed out he felt fortunate that he always was able to have a strong relationship with elected officials and the high quality of co-workers made his time at the City that much easier to handle.

“One person doesn't do it all on their own,” Linkie says.

Linkie also gave the thumbs up to new CAO, Jerry Knox and felt the City made the right decision by hiring him as his successor.

“Jerry will do exceptionally well and he's certainly got the support of council and the staff and I think it was a great choice,” he says.

Mayor Al McDonald, speaking highly of Linkie, pointed out the fact that the position is a difficult one that deals with both the public, staff and council and requires someone with a great skill set Linkie had.

“In City business, it's not just about the bottom line, its balancing issues in the community,” he says.

McDonald reminisced how it all began for Linkie in the City of North Bay, starting from a basement office with no windows and ending up in a corner office on the top floor of City Hall.

“I always admire individuals who work very hard and are successful and he did it all on his own,” he says.

“We're going to miss him greatly.”