TWO ADMINISTRATIVE MISSTEPS REGARDING CPAC

One of these missteps was described in my Monday posting having to do with Woolwich CAO David Brenneman. The other I have not mentioned to date but has to do with a CPAC orientation session being abruptly and improperly cancelled. I am happy to say that the CPAC members appropriately have jumped on both of these issues and they are being properly addressed. Although I have made clear my concerns around CPAC being a Committee of Council and hence liable to have little control or independence, at the same time there are some positives. It is my considered opinion that to date this Council is less likely to meddle inappropriately than the last one but the avenues are much too available. Specifically in regards to what appeared to be the Woolwich CAO attending a private meeting dealing with what clearly should be a CPAC and CPAC only issue, namely a site wide AIR Certificate of Approval from the M.O.E. for Chemtura; explanations and clarifications are underway. These will include direct communications to each CPAC member as well as some face to face discussions. Our CAO made a mistake of which he and all other parties are well aware. At this point in time I'm prepared to accept that it was an honest mistake which may or may not have been somewhat induced/promoted by third parties with an agenda. CPAC members and Woolwich Staff are now more cognizant of each others' areas of responsibility and the future will sort out whether a strong supportive relationship will continue to flourish and grow. Briefly touching on the meeting that was cancelled improperly, I will say that our Mayor stepped up at last week's CPAC meeting and took full responsibility. I am impressed that he did this even while I doubt that he was 100% responsible.