More Steps Shared to Provide Stability in Bridgetown
NOTE: A social media version of this release with video and audio clips is available at http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2011-06-08-Bridgetown-Council . Photos will be added after the event.
A new mayor, council and chief administrative officer are now in place, as part of the province's plan to provide leadership and stability in Bridgetown.
People with extensive experience in municipal and public service form Bridgetown's new leadership team. Robert Fowler, with more than 34 years of public service, is now Bridgetown mayor. Anna Allen and Jim Thurber, both with experience in Valley municipal governments, are serving as councillors, beginning immediately. They will serve until the town's financial status is determined and will help make decisions about its long-term future.
"Bob, Anna and Jim have the experience and skills Bridgetown needs during this time of transition," said Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister John MacDonell. "I have every confidence in their leadership and commitment to the people of Bridgetown.
"I look forward to working with them to return elected leadership to the town and bring about other changes as quickly as possible to ensure services can be delivered sustainably now and for the long term."
Along with senior leadership roles within the civil service, including deputy minister to the premier, head of the Nova Scotia public service and clerk of the Executive Council, Mr. Fowler also headed the Sydney Tar Ponds Agency. In 2011, he received the Lieutenant-Governor's Award for Excellence in Public Service.
Ms. Allen served as the Mayor of Windsor until retiring in 2008. She also served as a school board member, town councillor and as a former president of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities.
Mr. Thurber is a former warden of the Municipality of the District of Digby, a post he held from 2000 to 2010. He also served as councillor from 1998 to 2000.
"Anna, Jim and I are looking forward to helping Bridgetown get back on its feet," said Mayor Fowler. "We will do whatever needs to be done to ensure the residents of Bridgetown are heard, and get the stable government and services they expect and deserve."
Darrell Hiltz is now the chief administrative officer of Bridgetown, also effective immediately. Mr. Hiltz served as chief administrative officer for the Municipality of the District of Chester from 2004 until 2009. Before that, he spent 30 years with the province, serving as deputy minister of Natural Resources and Economic and Rural Development.
Mr. Hiltz will now lead Bridgetown municipal staff and help council carry out the changes needed to ensure the town's future financial stability.
Provincial staff have been in the town since the mayor and council resigned May 31.
Financial irregularities in the town's books have been uncovered, including questions about recording of payments of some residents' tax and water bills. These findings prompted the province to order, and pay for, a forensic audit.
The accounting firm hired to conduct the forensic audit will be announced this week. The audit will ensure Bridgetown's financial documents are in order, and provide relevant information to support the RCMP investigation.
"The future of Bridgetown must be shaped by you and your family, the people living, working or running a business within the town," Mr. MacDonell said. "The team we have put in place will actively seek out your views, as we work together to build a strong future for families and the community of Bridgetown."
The town will hold its first public council meeting at 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 14. Residents with questions or ideas can call 902-665-4637, or go online to the town's website at www.town.bridgetown.ns.ca .