Central Frontenac losing CAO to Tay Valley

Jeff Green | Sep 12, 2014

Central Frontenac Mayor Janet Gutowski said today that Tay Valley's gain in hiring Larry Donaldson is Central Frontenac's loss.

Donaldson was hired 14 months ago after a long search and brought stability to hte position after the previous CAO left abruptly after a difficult period.

“I got nervous when I found out last month that Tay Valley was hiring a new CAO, because I knew if Larry was working there he would save some commuting time,” said Mayor Janet Gutowski, who added “whole we are dissppointed that Larry is leaving we wish him well in the future. We were comfortable with him here.”

Donaldson lives in Stittsville and will have shorter commute to the Tay Valley township office on Harper Road near Perth. Donaldson wife Tammy-Kealey Donaldson is the Ontario Works manager for Lanark County, whose offices are close to those of Tay Valley township.

In a Frontenac News article from early August last year, whcih came out a few weeks after Donaldson took on the CAO position, he said the following: “When I first met the staff, on my first day on the job, the only question that was asked was if I was planning on staying.”

With Donaldson leaving, coupled with the retirement of Public Works Manager Richardson earlier this summer, there are now vacancies at two of the senior positions at the township as we enter the election period.

Donaldson is staying on at the township until the election is over. Hi last day will be October 31^st. Mayor Gutowksi said that at the next meeting the township will develop a plan for a new CAO search. Because all but one member of the current council is seeking a new term on Council, Coucil can operate as normal during the election perod.

Gutowski indicated that the announcement of a new Public Works Manager will take place soon.