Haldimand "Welcome our new CAO".

I was very impressed with this week’s article in the Chronicle, by Karen Best. For the entire story visit http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/webapp/sitepages/. For those of you that don’t receive this paper, the following are some excerpts that I found very interesting;

"Before he was formally on the job, Don Doyle planned to speak to Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino about policing in Haldimand County. Prior to a Toronto business golf function last week, the soon-to-be CAO said he would leave knowing where the OPP stands on policing the ongoing First Nation’s issue in the county".

I personally find this statement by Doyle as very "profound", as the soon-to-be CAO is certain that he is going to receive information that this county has been unable to achieve in the past. What would be interesting is what conversation would have taken place between Fantino and Doyle, as what legal information would Doyle actually been privy to receive from Fantino, as his position as CAO of Haldimand County does not start until October 2, 2007?

"In an interview with the Chronicle, he was open about his reasons for pursuing a career change. Toronto is a big machine that moves very slowly and is difficult to influence said Boyle".

Haldimand County is a much smaller "machine" than Toronto, but I am sure that we do not move and faster here than Toronto. Haldimand is also a very difficult place to influence as well, just ask some of the residents that live here.

"Attracted by Haldimand County’s spirit and the challenge of the First Nations issue, Boyle is preparing for his new job through research on the Internet including reading about the Six Nations and Haldimand County issues in the Chronicle".

No "pun" against the Chronicle, but newspapers don’t always state all the facts, neither does the Internet!

"As an outsider, Boyle was immediately impressed with the county’s potential in quality of life and eco-tourism. He envisioned linking all towns together in a trail network and stronger promotion of county assets outside the community".

I am interested in what he meant by "county assets outside the community"!

"After reviewing the county’s budget and reserve balance statements, he concluded the county was financially healthy".

I recall during budget deliberations in March, that Councilor Boyko had asked Karen General and Bill Pearce if Haldimand County was "financially viable? Staff said that they would do a report and come back in six months with the answer. I am not aware of any such report ever coming back to council. Councilor Boyko with his years experience, obviously asked that question because he had serious concerns, Boyle who has not even started his position yet, has confirmed that our "finances are just fine"!

"Over his career, he has had only two bad days but he can no longer remember what happened on them".

I am glad that Boyle seems to be a very positive individual, we certainly welcome that kind of attitude.

"Recently Boyle began searching for other opportunities. He applied for the St. Catherine’s CAO job but, when advised of the same vacancy in Haldimand, he withdrew his application and applied to the County".

This also goes to say for Boyle, that he must also be a very optimistic individual as well, most people would not have "pulled" an application unless they were optimistic of their chances at getting a position. We also welcome his optimism.

Don Doyle comes to us from Toronto, with a background in recreation. From 1995 to present Doyle has worked in the Parks and Recreation sector for the City of Toronto.

I would like to extend my welcome to Don Doyle, Haldimand County’s new Chief Administrative Officer. We could certainly use an individual with your talents and qualities in Haldimand County.