Parry Sound will have a new Chief Administrative Officer in October. Clayton Harris has more than 25 years of experience in municipal administration, he worked for the city of Vaughan and Vaughan Holdings Inc. but has since returned to his hometown of Parry Sound. Mayor Jamie McGarvey says having someone with that depth of experience at the helm is what the town needs at this time.
Harris’ appointment follows current CAO Rob Men’s retirement on October 9th. McGarvey says Mens’ longevity is unheard of:
The CAO plays a bigger role if council enters a lame duck period. A lame duck council means less than 75% of the current council applies for re-election and then continues for about 2 months after the election if less than 75% are re-elected to council. In a lame duck, the council gives up authority to the CAO on adding or subtracting items from the budget valued over $50,000, and on hiring or dismissing an employee. Town of Parry Sound Clerk and Executive Assistant Jackie Boggs says it’s likely council will enter a lame duck period, as only 4 of the current 6 council members have announced they are seeking re-election. The deadline to submit nomination papers is Friday at 2 pm.