EDMONTON – A former Strathcona County councillor’s new position in Thorsby is causing a stir.
On Tuesday, Jason Gariepy was appointed Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Thorsby. Despite the motion passing unanimously, some residents are concerned about Gariepy’s past – and even confronted the mayor about the decision outside of chambers.
Last year, Gariepy was at the centre of an alleged online infidelity controversy while he was a councillor for Strathcona County – something he’s ready to put behind him.
“I made a personal mistake, an error in judgement. I’m certainly not the first one to have done that,” he said. “Has it been a painful difficult lesson? Harder than most people could ever imagine.”
The village’s mayor, Barry Rasch, says the decision to appoint Gariepy follows an extensive search, and that ultimately, Gariepy’s professionalism earned him the position.
“His history is his history. It’s of a private matter…It is not up to council to judge on a private matter. We specifically needed a CAO in place to move the municipality forward,” Rasch said.
At the end of Tuesday’s meeting, the Chamber of Commerce president and vice-president handed in their resignation letters. They wouldn’t tell Global News why, but said the reasons would come out after the Chamber meets Wednesday evening to discuss the situation.
Residents are also concerned because they say four village staff members – including the fire chief and a bylaw officer – were let go on Tuesday.
“We’re really disappointed, and nobody is going to comment on whether these positions have been filled, covered,” said one of the frustrated residents, Dan Culford.
Administration wouldn’t go into details over who was let go or whether there was a connection to Gariepy’s hiring. The mayor, though, tells Global News that there will be no change to service.
“We have a prepared a backup plan…and we will be fully covered,” he assured. “The service delivery will be to its maximum as it always is.”
Gariepy meanwhile, says he, his wife and children are looking forward to moving to the community. And his focus is on the future.
“At some point,” he said, “you have to let the past go.”
With files from Quinn Ohler, Global News
- Toronto’s construction season traffic is ‘unacceptable.’ Is there a better way?
- More foreign interference action coming after inquiry report, India arrests: LeBlanc
- Why MP questions put the Bank of Canada governor in a political minefield
- U.K. bans generic passwords over cybersecurity concerns. Should Canada be next?
Comments