Petawawa council has reiterated its opposition to Ontario’s Strong Mayor Powers, despite legislation that prevents mayors from formally surrendering the authority.
At last Monday’s meeting, Mayor Gary Serviss outlined his decision to delegate key powers through a series of mayoral decisions.
The delegated authorities include the appointment of a chief administrative officer, assigned to council; the hiring of certain department heads, delegated to the CAO; the creation and structuring of committees, including the selection of chairs and vice-chairs, delegated to the striking committee and council; and the presentation of the municipal budget, delegated to the CAO and the town’s financial officer.
Serviss said concentrating such authority in one office would undermine collaboration, shared decision-making and local democracy, particularly in a small municipality.
(Richard Evans)