Athabasca town councillors are taking to Facebook to share information with constituents. The most recent example of this new trend was when councillor Richard Verhaeghe discussed chief administrative officer Doug Topinka’s impending retirement on the “Athabasca, Alberta Voice Your Thoughts and Opinions” group.
There, Verhaeghe emphasized that Topinka is retiring, and that he did not quit or resign; and further that he has accepted a retirement package.
“There is a confidentiality agreement signed that binds both parties from disclosing the terms and conditions of the retirement … package,” Verhaeghe commented on Facebook. “I would like to personally thank Doug for more than a decade of service during which he carried out his duties with diligence, honesty and integrity.”
Verhaeghe said he thought there was a misconception about what was going on with Topinka’s departure, as well as the town’s request for a Municipal Corporate Review, which is why he took to Facebook to try to set the record straight. According to Verhaeghe, council is looking for a change, and is unsure of what that change is.
“That’s why they asked for the municipal review,” Verhaeghe said. “There’s no discord or anything (surrounding Topinka’s departure).”
Verhaeghe posted on Facebook that a Municipal Corporate Review would cost the town money, which he later acknowledged was inaccurate.
“There are two types, there is a Municipal Corporate Review, and there is a Municipal Corporate Investigation,” Verhaeghe said later, adding that at the time of his comment on Facebook, he was unaware they were two different things.
“This is a review and it doesn’t cost the town anything, provided we supply what they tell us to supply, and we do what they tell us to do,” he clarified.
Verhaeghe said when posting to Facebook, he is stating his opinion alone.
“I’ve had differences of opinion, however, council’s decision is this, and I support their position,” he said. “I do think councillors have a certain responsibility, as does anyone who goes on Facebook.”
Verhaeghe suggested that all councillors be required to take a social media course to learn how to better use the burgeoning platform.
Mayor Roger Morrill said he hasn’t give much thought to councillors discussing issues online.
“I really don’t have an opinion at this time on this matter,” he said. “When we do our municipal review a lot of things will be brought to our attention, as to conduct and things of that nature.”
