The hiring of Gilles Prefontaine as chief community development officer (position previously known as general manager of planning and engineering) once again illustrates the moral compass of council is broken. Rules must be clearly written or this council seems to exploit every opportunity for personal gain. This group struggles with the difference between right and wrong regardless of reality or perception. It is disappointing that some members of council either have “no comment” or search for ways to justify the hiring of Prefontaine. Are they too close or truly do not understand that elected officials are to be transparent and demonstrate ethical behaviour?
It was pointed out that Turner Valley had a councillor resign to take on CAO. Turner Valley is a town with a population under 2,500; St. Albert is a city with a population more than 60,000 … a big difference with even bigger expectations of elected officials and city staffers.
The city position “awarded” to Prefontaine requires unique skills and education that he clearly does not possess. It would be interesting to know how, given Prefontaine’s CV, Davies Park “headhunted” and shortlisted him as one of three final candidates for the position? Clear as mud.
H.L. Murray, St. Albert
