Reaction Begins to Paul's Retirement Announcement

Friday, June 16, 2006 01:42 PM

Reaction is starting after today’s announcement that Prince George City Manager George Paul will be retiring at the end of the year (see City Manager Calling it Quits).

Councilor Brian Skakun was surprised to hear of Paul’s upcoming retirement. “I thought we’d have a few more years of service from him,” says Skakun.

“It’s unfortunate he’s going because he takes a wealth of experience with him. In the same breath though, it’s good for him because he gets to retire and good for the city because we’ll get someone with new ideas and experiences in there.”

Councilor Skakun says he doesn’t yet know whether the hiring process will be internal or external, but he expects there will be lot of applicants. “The city is taking off right now,” says Skakun. “It’s a great place to be.”

Councilor Shirley Gratton says the City will miss having George Paul’s administrative skill but she understands his life has to move on. “It’s sad for the city. George Paul is known as one of the best administrators in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. He’ll be missed.”

Councilor Sherry Sethen is sorry George Paul will be leaving so soon. “We knew he wouldn’t be here for the next election, but that’s still a couple of years away. I’m sorry to lose him. I think we’ve been privileged to have him here for so long." Sethen notes that Paul is well respected by his peers throughout the country.

“The city has benefited from his wisdom and experience. If there was the opportunity to say no, you can’t go, I’d do it. But of course you can’t, so I wish him well and hope he enjoys his retirement.”

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Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 01:42 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: kimbo on June 16 2006 2:35 PM

This is great news. How lucky can we get. Colin do us the honour and follow Gorgie boys lead. And the door is also open for the rest of the council walking with their head in the clouds. Lets hope we get someone with their feet on the ground.

Posted by: trusted on June 16 2006 5:16 PM

I trust the taxpayer will be honored to pay a rather large sum for an extravaganza "going away" party.
Colin will be at a total loss in the New Year, as I am of the opinion George Paul called the shots-and not the learned Mayor.
I, for one, think the city will be well rid of him, and those well wishers who want Colin to follow suit are justified.
It would be well worth the cost of a huge party to give them both a send off-and the two tearful lady councillors will just have to grin and bear it. Heck, maybe Sethen would like to go with him,and Gratton will surely get over being so sad in a heartbeat.
Don't that just beat all, such glowing accolades upon his retreat, but I sure hope the next choice has the foresight to make this a more progressive city.
No studies, no committees, no wasted taxpayers money.
Dream on!!!! But it could happen.

Posted by: diplomat on June 16 2006 6:43 PM

The tactful thing to do now is not to comment gleefully but to mentally visualize the coming true of Phase Two, which you described in the first three and a half paragraphs.

For now, may Mr. Paul have a great retirement!

Knowing Mr.Kinsley Colin will more than likely hire Mr. Paul back as a consultant for the very first project/study in 2007 and after that as often as possible.

Posted by: trusted on June 16 2006 8:31 PM

I trust that you really are a pro at making people feel bad, diplomat.
Could you not have allowed me to enjoy the moment of believing Mr. Paul will become history??
When will it ever end???

Posted by: diplomat on June 17 2006 8:35 AM

Sorry, didn't want to make you feel bad...it probably won't happen as I am not very good at making predictions!

Isn't the term for municipal elections a three year one?

Just guessing.

Posted by: Palopu on June 20 2006 9:57 PM

Retirements are much like a death in the family, the obituary rarely if ever says anything bad about the dearly departed. The same thing applies to people who retire. I cant count the number of times I attended retirement partys where the retiree was accoladed to the 11th power, when in fact he was a .....

Such is life.