Council candidate Ed Valenti says he is hearing "a level of reservation and negativity" from residents regarding City Hall in this election campaign.
"In my discussions with businesses and residents on city matters, certain questions and statements have produced questions that fall within the world of confidentiality but need a better option. Why did a former CAO become the highest paid employee and not be at work? Why was he called a Corporate Advisor?
Mayor Al McDonald has steadfastly refused to shed light on the $200,000 yearly contract to former CAO Jerry Knox, calling it a personnel matter. Knox apparently did no work as an advisor, and City Hall has refused to release any job description for "Corporate Advisor" although the term has shown up on the province's "Sunshine list " the past two years.
"While some have realized that an employee's contract was likely stretched, and the title was just a name that was needed, for a good number of people the spoken answers needed more depth," said Valenti.
He also says communications are essential to correct perceptions.
"'Are you near Thunder Bay?'- Can you skate to work?'. We learn through schooling that knowledge is a powerful tool. And in an election, we understand that good communications are essential to growth, tourism, and a well-versed citizen. Without it, we lose our conviction.
"Our own personal cheerleader – an exuberant actor who spent a great deal of time in 2017 – has stated that North Bay is about to be discovered. The first thing one would ask – why aren’t we getting this word out? Maybe we could hire Jerry and the Carter drone team. Watching those aerial shots, I wanted to move to this town. "
See: Updated Baylor survey: we like living in North Bay but don't trust municipal government
