After 20 years with the District of Squamish, chief administrative officer (CAO) Kim Anema announced his resignation today.
Although Anema did not immediately return calls from The Chief, a brief explanation sent out in a release to media stated he's been "attending to personal matters" over the last month, and regrets leaving the post. However, he said, he looks forward to continuing to serve the community.
"Since 1989, first in finance, and then in my capacity as chief administrative officer, I have focused on being the constant individual at City Hall during the sea of ever changing politics," he stated. "In taking leave of my post I would like to pay homage to those who have gone before.
"There are those that passed the baton of knowledge and wisdom to myself as I embarked on my 20 years as a leader in Squamish. Accordingly, from the knowledge shared by these individuals, I have strived to strike a principle centred balance between time-honoured values in the context of the modern world."
Although Mayor Greg Gardner could not immediately be reached for comment, a district release announced the appointment of Robin Arthurs as acting CAO, effective immediately. Arthurs is the district's current director of administrative services and will act as CAO pending the search for a new candidate.
"He [Anema] made significant contributions during his many years of service and the District wishes him well in his future," stated the release.
Anema's resignation comes on the heels of union representatives' public criticism of him as the municipality's lead in two difficult union negotiations.
The district's CUPE workers voted to strike before negotiations were resolved March 5, and unionized firefighters have worked without a contract for two and a half years; a settlement has not yet been reached.
Anema's recent recommendation to council resulted in the controversial elimination of one paid firefighter position, and caused frustration among some firefighters who last week stated that other cost-saving measures had been requested, yet had not gone to council. Anema did not return calls from The Chief for clarification on the issue.
