Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Farewell to Mr. Howie

The Mayor and City Council will soon be reviewing resumes  and options again, as a top city executive exits the local scene.

Gord Howie, Prince Rupert's City Manager is apparently moving on.

The Sooke News Mirror is reporting on line today, that the Vancouver Island community has hired Mr. Howie and his 37 years of experience to become the new Chief Administration Officer for the community.

Mr Howie was selected from over 100 applicants who applied for the position.

He reportedly has signed a three year contract and will take up his duties on February 1st of 2013.

Mr Howie returned to Prince Rupert in 2006 on a temporary contract basis, replacing Victor Kumar, the then controversial City Manager at the time and a name which still can generate debate about city governance both in Prince Rupert and elsewhere.

The full time position was offered to Mr. Howie after what then Mayor Herb Pond called an "exhaustive" search for a candidate. He had previously served as the CAO for the City and had extensive experience in such communities as Richmond and North Vancouver.

Like his predecessor however, some of his era at City Hall was rather controversial as well.

One issue, over a city contract awarded to his wife back in 2008, provided for one of the more controversial times for the City in recent years.

A time which provided for a change on City Council, with two of the more interested of civic observers, Anna Ashley and Gina Garon eventually taking seats at City Council,  their arrival partially a result of some of the fallout from that controversy.

The search for a replacement for Mr. Howie will once again prove challenging for Council, the competition for upper level municipal officials is apparently keen.

The cost of attracting qualified talent and our remote location, are just some of the factors that Council and the Mayor will have to work around in seeking a new City Manager.

The Northern View offered up the local angle on the story on their website on Wednesday morning.

Victoria Times Colonist-- Sooke looks to Prince Rupert for top staffer's replacement
CFTK TV-- Rupert CAO Resigns (video)

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