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Saying goodbye

The District of Squamish is losing one of its longest standing employees. Trudy Coates resigned as Administrative Services Director, effective Friday (July 21), after 18 years of service.

The District of Squamish is losing one of its longest standing employees. Trudy Coates resigned as Administrative Services Director, effective Friday (July 21), after 18 years of service.

"Saying goodbye is really difficult," said Coates while being honoured before council Tuesday (July 18).

Coates said she and her husband made the "easy and right decision" to move to Qualicum Beach for work and to spend time with family.

"But I don't know how I'm going to live without everyone I've worked with," she added.

Coates has seen several administrations in her time in municipal government and said she's often asked which council was the best.

"Actually, more often they ask me who was the worst," she laughed. "Like a mother tells her children, all of them were my favourite."

Mayor Ian Sutherland began Tuesday's council meeting by presenting Coates with a talisman carved in the shape of an oar by First Nations artist Chester Joseph.

"With this oar we hope you find safe harbour," said Sutherland. "And find your way back here too."

Sutherland said Coates was indispensable in keeping the district organized and on time in her roles as Administrative Director and Chief Elections Officer.

"She's done a tremendous job," he said. "Trudy adapted to every person's style and does what's always in the best interest of the town. She's not afraid to tell the mayor of the day that what he or she is doing is wrong."

The Administrative Services Director work will now be in the hands of Squamish Deputy Clerk Robin Arthurs. The District of Squamish announced Arthurs' promotion of to the position, effective Saturday (July 22). Initially hired as the Confidential Secretary in August 1999, Arthurs has been the Deputy Clerk since January 2002, assisting with the Director's statutory corporate officer duties and other duties.

Arthurs has extensive local government experience. Prior to joining the District of Squamish, she worked in the Township of Langley Administration and Legislative Services Department for 11 years.

As Director of Administrative Services, Arthurs will be a member of the senior management team reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer. Arthurs will lead the department of nine staff responsible for corporate records management, property management, communications and public relations, and council business flow processes, including council and committee meeting agenda, minutes and correspondence.

"We are thrilled to be able to promote from within," said Mayor Ian Sutherland. "With Robin's education in public administration and local government experience, she is the perfect choice to fill this key role in our organization."

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