A public conversation was recently initiated on social media to discuss whether Town of Sundre employees should live in or at least close to the community.
A public conversation was recently initiated on social media to discuss whether Town of Sundre employees should live in or at least close to the community.
The discussion largely seemed to have stemmed from the municipality's official announcement early last week that chief administrative officer Dave Dubauskas retired and that the process to find a suitable replacement could involve consultation support from a firm that specializes in finding candidates. Click here for that story.
"When picking a new leader in the office of running our town, please don't waste taxpayers' money. Hiring a 'headhunter' to find help seems a waste," wrote James Eklund in a lengthy post.
He urged local municipal officials, namely elected members of council, to ask what the public has to say about such an approach.
"We are not a city, nor should (we) be run this way. Let us grow slowly — not rush — let us be neighbours and friends like we should be. Nine out of 10 people I have asked (say) that town admin should live in a 10 mile radius or in town — if it's a good place to work, should be a great place to live."
Eklund's comments garnered a fair amount of support — approximately 30 likes for a post pertaining to a small community would be equivalent to hundreds, perhaps even thousands in a large, heavily populated city. Additionally, his post generated many responses.
Shari Cummins — among others — agreed with his position, posting "all of the town employees should have to live in town."
Coun. Cheri Funke found time to respond to numerous comments, pointing out that the Town of Sundre's "Employee Selection Policy was reviewed and approved by council in 2013. Position requirements only state that the most qualified applicants will be selected, but this is definitely a subject that I can bring to council for discussion."
However, there were also voices within the community that expressed understanding for the position the municipality finds itself in when trying to navigate the process of hiring the best possible staff.
"I don't understand how someone's address affects their ability to do their job," shared Chantel Sommerfeld, her comment receiving 10 likes as of last week.
"The admin side of our town employees should be run as any other business. Generate income, pay bills. The council is elected and are our voice. As far as I know, all councillors live in town. If the most qualified person for the job lives in another town but is at work every day, doing their job, how is that a problem? Maybe all local businesses should only hire local employees. Maybe all municipalities should follow this. What would that mean for many families that live here and work elsewhere?"
Not including the elected members of council — who must reside in Sundre to run for office — the municipality employs 27 people, nine of whom live in the community, a town official told the Round Up.
