No doubt many other readers were, like me, shocked and disturbed by the resignation of Council CEO, Mr Shane Gray, after only eighteen months in the position (Gympie Today, Fri. Jan 14)
I recall that, on his appointment, his extensive administrative experience in regional local government suggested that he was eminently suited to the challenging role.
What went so badly wrong? As his employers, we ratepayers are surely entitled to know.
All we know is that on January 7 , after several hours’ debate, Council voted 5 to 3 to accept Mr Gray’s resignation.
It seems that the CEO had lost the support of a majority of Councillors, including the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Did Mr Gray decide to go before he was pushed?
Whatever the case, Mr Gray’s departure is a serious setback for the community. First there is the looming executive hiatus until a replacement can be found. And, just as concerning, there is a disappointing sense of déjà vu in the perception of a Council divided.
So far, unfortunately, we have heard only from Councillor Deveraux who, in a wordy, polysyllabic defense of Mr Gray’s performance, describes him finally, in something of an anti-climax, as a “… really rather sensible man.” Plainly he, along with Councillors Jensen and Waldock, sees the CEO’s departure as “a sad loss”.
But the Council leadership do themselves no favours by allowing Cr Deveraux to monopolise the Council microphone.
They have a clear obligation to explain to ratepayers the reason for the CEO’s resignation and their endorsement of it. Failure to do so will undoubtedly undermine public trust and confidence in the Council.
Merv Welch, The Palms.
