As the St. Paul Journal reported on its Facebook page about the termination of the town’s CAO on March 29, one person commented that town politics had become like a soap opera of late.
It was certainly a tumultous six months during the time Harvey Filger acted as the town’s CAO, not least of all because of the conflict caused by the changes in the golf course operations. When it came to the golf course board running out of funds to operate the course, Filger found himself walking into a situation that he and council were not expecting, one that required diplomacy and communication to be resolved – more of which was probably needed.
Last week, Filger came to the Journal office to talk about his experience as CAO, discussing some of his impressions and concerns about how things were handled, including on the golf course file.
It’s important to stress that in this matter, as in all others, the Journal strove to talk to all the parties involved, but that town mayor and councillors were unable to discuss the matter, holding personnel matters in confidence. Unfortunately, this means that their side of the story will not be told, at least not now.
Instead, the Town of St. Paul council must focus on its future. As Filger moves on and the Town of St. Paul looks to find a new CAO to take his place, we hope that issues between both groups will come to a mutually satisfactory resolution without a protracted legal battle.
There are lots of things happening in the near future that will affect the town, including the local economy, potential changes to the Municipal Government Act, the revisiting of residential and business tax rates, the spring budget, and future projects, like the Co-op Mall expansion and the St. Paul Abilities Network’s new hotel, just to name a few.
It’s time for the soap opera to end, and for town business to get back on track.
