Search for Durham’s new CAO begins

By Dave Flaherty/The Oshawa Express

The search to replace Durham’s retiring CAO Garry Cubitt is set to begin shortly, but the

proposed process did not sit well with some regional councillors.

Cubitt, who has served in the position since 1993, announced his retirement late in May.

He states his intention is to leave in late 2018 but a specific date was not mentioned.

It is being recommended that an ad hoc committee composed of Regional Chair and CEO Gerri Lynn O’ Connor and the mayors of Durham’s eight local municipalities select his successor.

The region’s manager of talent acquisition and development Tracey Macaulay, as well two consultants would assist with the process.

The recruiting and selection procedure begins immediately and wraps up Sept. 4, with the ad hoc committee expected to advise regional council of its chosen candidate at the Sept. 12 meeting.

Meetings of the committee would be open to the public under requirements of the Municipal Act of Ontario.

Clarington Councillor Joe Neal was displeased that not all regional councillors would be involved in the selection process.

“I think council should be making the appointment,” he said.

Director of corporate services Don Beaton explained by September, regional council would be in a “lame duck” position due to the upcoming municipal election.

“Lame duck” councils are highly restricted in the types of decisions that can be made, including hiring and firing of staff.

However, municipal councils can delegate authority to make these decisions.

Beaton acknowledged that if desired, the entire council could comprise the ad hoc committee but the proposed process has been deemed as “a best practice” through outside consultation.

Neal was obstinate it is a decision to be made by every member of council.

He put forth a motion to do so, but failed to drum up support.

“Here’s the point. We’re talking about replacing Mr. Cubitt, who has lead this organization for a very long time,” he said. “Everyone should be able to cast their vote. It’s one of the most important decisions we may make for the next four, eight and 12 years.”

Ajax councillor Colleen Jordan also criticized the plan.

“It looks like we are rushing. We are not going to do a proper best practices approach,” she stated.

Oshawa Councillor John Neal told The Express he agreed with his colleagues, stating it was a significant decision.

However, Councillor Dan Carter was in favour of the mayor/regional chair committee.

“I think that process will work well,” Carter said. “If we have 28 people involved, it becomes cumbersome, awkward and I don’t believe it is productive.”

Cubitt himself defended the proposed plan, noting it presents the most time to perform a “fulsome search.”

At the latest regional council meeting, resident Greg Milosh asked council during a delegation to consider reviewing the job description and salary range for both the CAO and regional chair/CEO positions.

He noted that salaries for those positions are higher than comparable municipalities such as Waterloo, and Halton, Peel and Niagara regions.