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‘I wish him well’: Harrison Mayor largely mum on councillor’s resignation

Coun. John Buckley resigned after roughly 7 months in office
32930822_web1_201015-AHO-HarrisonCouncil-Council_1
(File Photo)

Mayor Ed Wood had little to say about Coun. John Buckley’s resignation during the Monday (June 5) meeting.

“I wish him well,” he said before moving on with council proceedings.

Buckley resigned on Monday, according to a letter obtained by The Observer.

“I have come to the conclusion that I can no longer work with (Mayor Ed Wood) and therefore cannot effectively fulfill my role as councillor,” the letter reads. “With a heavy heart, I am submitting my resignation, effective immediately.”

Couns. Leo Facio, Allan Jackson and Michie Vidal extended well wishes to Buckley and acknowledged his accomplishments as a member of the village council.

“I want to wish him all the best, and it’s just an unforutnate situation that we’re going through in the village at the moment,” he said.

“You really don’t get a better councillor than Mr. Buckley,” Jackson said.

Buckley expressed deep gratitude to the community for their trust in electing him councillor. He served a a two-year term as councillor following the 2012 by-election before being re-elected in 2014 as a councillor. Buckley is a 12-year resident of the village and is a long-time community volunteer.

Buckley’s departure is the latest in a series of departure since Inauguration Day 2022. Former CAO Madeline McDonald retired at the end of January; she had been on leave prior to the announcement from the village on Feb. 15. Former deputy CAO Debra Key recently announced her own retirement; she was also on leave. Community services manager Rhonda Schell, as of publication, remains “on leave.”

Financial officer Scott Schultz – who also acted as the manager of IT and human resources – resigned in May. Interim CAO Kelly Ridley will be also be leaving after four months in her position.

More to come.



adam.louis@ ahobserver.com

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