Bud Massey is out as Westlock County reeve.
Following a closed-door session after council’s July 26 meeting, Massey resigned as reeve, but will remain as Div. 4 councillor.
Massey explained the decision was made in order for the county to move on with business.
“It’s very important that the business of Westlock County go forward in a positive manner and I was willing to try what I consider a very severe action in order to help our county move forward,” Massey said.
“Getting the roads fixed and getting projects done are more important.”
Massey was publicly asked to resign as reeve by county residents at June 28 and July 12 and 26 meetings of council. He did not respond to any of the requests.
Deputy reeve Don Savage was appointed acting reeve and will serve until a new reeve is appointed at council’s organizational meeting in October.
Savage said the goal is for council to begin moving in the right direction.
“We’re trying to heal our council and just start working for our county and we all have to put our best foot forward,” Savage said.
“I was never thinking that I would take over mid-term or mid-year, but as it is, that’s where we’ve gone.
“I believe we’re moving in the right direction.”
Massey explained his resignation is not an admission of guilt to allegations made against him including that he had involvement in the Horizon North deal, has used RCMP connections to intimidate opponents and helped former CAO Peter Kelly destroy files.
“To clear the air I am not guilty of the offensive and inflammatory remarks made by some individuals,” Massey said. “It was me that called for the (Municipal Affairs) investigation, and after two attempts, received the support of council to do so. That is not the actions of a person who has something to hide.”
A municipal inspection of the county called for by council, which has yet to have been approved by Municipal Affairs, will reveal the truth, Massey said.
“The investigation by Municipal Affairs will expose the truth and then appropriate actions can be taken by or against any individuals that are warranted,” he said.
“The investigation will not be about one individual but rather will investigate all councillors, administration, staff, procedures, policies and operation of Westlock County.”
Interim CAO Pat Vincent said councillors had a candid discussion following their July 26 meeting and came to the conclusion that change was needed.
“I think one of the things was the commitment by members of council to make their very best effort with the indication that reeve Massey was going to step down,” Vincent said.
“I believe they will hold one another accountable, as well as myself as interim CAO, hold council to that particular commitment.”
Vincent said with the organizational meeting on the horizon, it made the most sense to move forward with Savage as the acting reeve.
“Normally, we’d tend to deal with these things immediately, but in six weeks time we’re required to hold an organizational meeting,” Vincent said.
“Instead of doing it now and again in six weeks … it seems more prudent to just to have Coun. Savage serve as the acting reeve until the organizational meeting.”
