This story was previously posted on StratfordToday.ca.
In a move that caught some by surprise, it was announced on Tuesday that Perth South Mayor Jim Aitcheson would be taking a leave of absence from his position with the municipality.
The area Mayor was not in attendance during Tuesday morning's meeting, and Fred Tranquilli, Perth South's chief administrative officer and deputy clerk, addressed the absence.
“As you will see from the report and the public will note from the Mayor’s absence, Mayor Aitcheson has requested a leave of absence,” said Tranquilli during the meeting. “The leave is for personal reasons.”
The CAO’s report outlined the procedure that will be followed with the Mayor taking the leave. Deputy Mayor Sue Orr will act as the head of council in place of Aitcheson while he is away.
“Council will have to appoint an alternative member to represent the Municipality at the County level,” said Tranquilli.
Some discussions took place and Councillor Robert Wilhelm volunteered to be the appointed member to represent Perth South at the county level.
“I have a recommendation that council approve the leave of absence for Mayor Aitcheson effective immediately,” Orr said. “Further that Perth South council approve Councillor Wilhelm to county council.”
The motion was moved by councillor Mark Bell, and seconded by councillor Jim Van Nes. Wilhelm has plenty of experience around the county table, as he was the previous mayor of Perth South before Aitcheson. The municipality also has to deal with appointing members to the Police Services Board and the Accessibility Board, but that matter is slated to come back to the next council meeting.
Neither Aitcheson nor Tranquilli reutrned requests for comment.
