Erin’s current economic development committee is no more.
On May 15, councillor Josie Wintersinger reported on the resignation of the chairman of the town’s committee.
Mayor Lou Maieron first read a letter sent to him in which Brian Gentles stated his belief that he no longer has the support of council in his role as chairman of Erin’s economic development committee. Further, Gentles stated he would step down as soon as a new chairman is chosen.
Maieron further read from Gentles’ letter, “Mr. Mayor, I love this town and I certainly do not wish to stand in the way of fostering a positive environment for economic growth. In my opinion, the volunteers of this committee are frustrated at the roles they are being asked to play by council. It is my belief there is not a clear direction being given by council as to what the role of the economic development committee in Erin should be.”
Gentles further suggested that a new chairman should be able to work well with council.
In an update, Wintersinger stated that Gentles’ resignation was accepted by the committee on May 14.
“Then it became quite clear we have a group that unfortunately isn’t working together too well,” said Wintersinger.
“As a result, no one wanted to be the chair, no one wanted to be secretary. We can’t function on that basis. As a result, I requested that we close down this committee temporarily and reconstruct.”
Wintersinger added, “I am sorry that it has come to this, but it has just not been going anywhere and it has been apparent for quite some time.”
She hoped that by September, council would be able to start restructuring the committee and perhaps get some guidelines as to where the town wants to proceed.
Councillor John Brennan said obviously this is not a happy situation, but added one concern is the committee was working on a report regarding the equine industry.
“In light of the fact there is this issue front and centre throughout the province, regarding casinos and slot revenues, it seemed the results of this study would provide the kind of ammunition we need to understand the importance of this industry from an economic point of view,” said Brennan.
He did not want to see the survey get lost in shuffle.
Wintersinger said she’d asked if the group wanted to continue the survey and had asked for some details on what was accomplished so far.
Originally the group had intended to do 120 surveys – which was later downsized to 60.
“But since September there have only been five interviews,” Wintersinger said. “This project is not going where we hoped it would go. I was quite disappointed because I had hoped there would be some results.” She said two issues were a lack of volunteers and the information required in the survey.
Brennan said considering they asked council for project funds, he said that if it does not move forward, he would at least like to see the information gathered so far.
Wintersinger believes the money spent so far is minimal.
Councillor Barb Tocher suggested accepting with regret the dissolution of the economic development committee and that the municipality request the paperwork, research and background for the study.
Further, Tocher added, when Erin’s new chief administrative officer is hired that person should review that information and come back to council with recommendations if it would be better handled at a staff level or a committee level.
“I know part of our CAO search includes some economic development background, so I think that might be the best way to handle it at this time,” said Tocher.
She suggested sending thank you letters to the committee members for their time and hard work.
Wintersinger pointed out the Erin Home Show has been the one big success and that members would like the show to go on.
Maieron said it is unfortunate, but perhaps a hiatus until September is required.
He felt it bizarre that recently Gentles was recognized for his volunteer efforts in the community – including his work on the economic development committee – “and within a month, is resigning from the committee for which he’s been recognized.”
Maieron said Gentles seemed quite enthused, but at the same time had heard over the past year that the committee was spinning its wheels.
He said maybe it was time to take a break and come back with people wanting to make things happen.
