Aurora
August 16, 2008 09:24 PM
Simone Joseph
Aurora chief administrative officer John Rogers’ contract was terminated this week, just more than halfway through his six-year term.
“I am OK with the fact that we are parting ways,” he said Friday afternoon. “It is a mutual parting of ways.”
Mr. Rogers said he could not comment on more details, such as the reason for the termination.
“The town has been appropriate in the terms of the departure,” he said, adding it has met the terms set out in his contract regarding termination of contract.
He cannot, however, divulge the terms of his contract, Mr. Rogers said.
So, what will be the biggest challenge for the town’s next CAO?
“It is a bit of a downer for staff,” Mr. Rogers said, referring to his leaving.
“The CAO will have to re-establish a good working relationship with staff and council to make sure morale is at a high point.”
Mr. Rogers said he does not have another job waiting for him, so he will begin hunting for another opportunity.
Mr. Rogers, 61, is a Georgina resident.
He was 3-1/2 years into a six-year contract.
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve Aurora for 3-1/2 years. The staff are top-notch people,” he said.
As for recruiting another CAO?
“Council has set in place a very positive and creative agenda, which has attracted some bright professionals over the past few months wanting to help us as we serve our Aurora residents. I’m quite confident that this will continue to be the case in future,” Mayor Phyllis Morris said.
Since this is a personnel issue, the mayor couldn’t release details.
“Because of the nature of the issue, there is not much I can say. I wish him the best,” said Councillor Evelina MacEachern.
Town of Aurora staff learned Thursday afternoon that Mr. Rogers’ contract had been terminated.
“I wish to thank Mr Rogers on behalf of council for the time and efforts he has committed to the town over the past 3-1/2 years,” Ms Morris wrote in an announcement to staff.
Mr. Rogers was appointed CAO April 11, 2005.
He came from East Gwillimbury where he had been CAO since 2001.
Prior to that position, Mr. Rogers served as an assistant solicitor for Newmarket after several years in private law practice.
From 1982 to 1988, Mr. Rogers also worked in the political arena, serving as Georgina mayor and as a member of regional council.