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Port Edward residents petition to remove corporate services director

Citizens group attends Oct. 8 council meeting; council refuses to discuss petition deeming it a personnel matter

A group of Port Edward residents are calling for the removal of the district's director of corporate administrative services.

About 65 inhabitants of the district of Port Edward have signed a petition titled "Remove Polly Pereira from Director of Corporate Administrative Services." 

Andrea Shaw, a retired resident of the community confirmed that number and said even more residents are disappointed by the district office's inaccessibility and dismissive attitude toward their shared troubles.

"They're shuffling us round like dust," she said. 

The group planned to bring their petition and problems to the Oct. 8 council meeting in person, but the district limited the allowed seating a day before the session. Approximately 20 people were able attend, bringing the room to capacity. 

When a member of the public tried to raise the topic of the petition, Coun. Colleen McDonald deemed it a personnel/staff issue which council is not at liberty to discuss. 

Port Edward has a population of around 470 people per Statistics Canada's 2021 census.

The residents' petition requests Pereira's removal, citing her decisions as often detached from the community's desires and needs. 

"She has a 'not open for business' policy of her own. Any forms that go across her desk is subject to unfair scrutiny," reads the petition. It argues her lack of transparency and communication has fostered a sense of "alienation" among citizens. 

Several other attendees stood up to complain about the actions of CAO Todd Francis (who had tendered his resignation earlier in the day) and the district office in general. Council determined the current platform and situation were not suitable for discussing these matters in detail.

Council decided to schedule a town hall meeting in the future during which everyone can freely voice their concerns to their elected officials.

Pereira was not in attendance as she is on leave and has not responded to The Northern View's requests for comment.



About the Author: Radha Agarwal, Local Journalism Initiative

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