Jerry Berry Resigns

[Smokey©]

Nanaimo city manager Jerry Berry surprisingly announced his retirement late Friday after 30 years of civil service. In an effort to save money, council members have decided not to replace him.

Rumours had circulated about the relationship between Berry and some councillors and city staff members were surprised by the announcement late Friday afternoon, but Mayor John Ruttan is adamant that the departure is an amicable one. Daily News Story

SURPRISE, SURPRISE, SURPRISE!

Originally posted here as Yaaay

[All Ages Music Concerts]

Means more money in the the budget for the other staff. No need to feel bad they saved money!! HAHA

[Nostradama]

SURPRISE, SURPRISE, SURPRISE!

Originally posted here as Yaaay

I'd like to see the size of that golden handshake. Will be followed by a nice holiday of a few months, and then relocation to another job elsewhere. Or, like the Terminator, he comes baaack very quietly as a contracted "consultant." Or might take a nice tour of Canada, otherwise known as a "relocation cruise" being interviewed for other jobs.

I just hope he doesn't feel "the need to serve the citizens of Nanaimo in another capacity" and run for council.

[Smokey©]

I hope that Jerry has another position to go to in another city, or has a plan to get into business for himself.

But, Smokey©, how can you say that, I thought you liked the guy as our City Manager?

I do like him and hope his retirement is not a health issue, although he sure was laughing and smiling when I saw him on Thursday at lunch time

[yorway]

All I can say is its about time. The man has held the position way to long and his control has stagnated this city for to long a time.
Now that the puppeteer has left the building maybe the puppets can now find a way to make their own decisions and the city can progress instead of regress in a way that that hasn't been seen for the last 20+ years.

[citychick]

I don't believe he resigned...all I can say is, live by the sword, die by the sword! I, too, hope he moves on - out!!

[queen of the waterfront]

Somehow, I get the feeling, that there are going to be a few more news stories. There was a lot going on at the last council meeting I went to, that was not on the agenda.Gerry was sitting up in the back rows.

No single public employee should be given that much power.

[Smokey©]

Portions of a post I made in the Daily News:

Jerry Berry has survived many elected council members and it is only a few who dislike his way of managing the city and in that Jerry is not alone. Most people here have no idea of the limited power that he actually has and of course he is bound to get upset at council members as well as members of the public. His hands are tied on many issues and he is also controlled by laws on what he can do and what he cannot do.

Jerry worked hard in the community that he was born in and has received offers in the past to go elsewhere but stayed. For some reason, we will eventually find out about, he has announced his retirement.

Hopefully we all can thank him instead of being negative and thinking of only the few things he might have done that we disliked.

Lastly, Gerald Berry had absolutely NO CONTROL over how any council voted on any matter since he has worked for the city especially the Conference Centre or the Theatre on Victoria Road.

Community Charter information regarding the rules and conduct of elected Council as well as City Managers. Note 146 and 147

[citychick]

Often, the newspaper gets it wrong...and, in this case Smokey, I beg to differ with you. I imagine that Jerry did some good while in his post. However, he stayed too long. He was in many instances more political than the politicians. I also know that there are City of Nanaimo employees who are clicking their heels over his "resignation"! I guess you have your take on this, and I have mine.

[yorway]

"Most people here have no idea of the limited power that he actually has and of course he is bound to get upset at council members as well as members of the public. His hands are tied on many issues and he is also controlled by laws on what he can do and what he cannot do."

I know that he was limited by law. Its a good thing or this city would be in deeper doodoo than it already is.