Steve Kent says he’s been left with “no choice” but to file a statement of claim against the city of Mount Pearl for constructive dismissal and breach of privacy.
The Chief Administrative Officer with the city of Mount Pearl is speaking publicly for the first time since announcing last October that he was on leave to deal with what he called a personal matter.
Steve Kent spoke with VOCM’s Greg Smith on The Drive. Listen below:
The City subsequently launched a review of Kent’s interactions with staff amid allegations of harassing and bullying behaviour.
Earlier this month, CUPE—which represents city workers—issued a letter of concern regarding the issue, seeking a formal response from the city.
“Back in 2017, I was hired with a clear mandate to address productivity challenges, improve performance management, and provide active, hands on leadership in solving problems. I am so proud of the many positive changes I led for our City during my tenure as CAO.
However, what I uncovered also surprised me. I discovered many problems.”
-Excerpt from the statement by Steve Kent.
Kent, a former city mayor, was hired by the City as Chief Administrative Officer in 2017, and claims that he uncovered issues in that role that concerned and surprised him.
He says he tackled the problems with the “full support of city council,” and held people accountable—a job he says he was responsible for doing.
Kent says those tough decisions rubbed some people the wrong way, but says things got “way more serious” last fall, when the Mayor and Deputy Mayor escorted him out of the building.
He says to this day, he continues to face difficulties getting information on the two complaints against him, to allow him to respond and “fully participate” in the process.
Kent claims he has maintained “multiple” interactions with members of Mount Pearl council, and says he is prepared to “talk more about that” in the weeks ahead if necessary—but hopes it doesn’t come to that.
He claims that after eight months of being “mistreated and disrespected” he learned that his privacy was “actively breached,” alleging that his private Facebook messages were accessed through an iPad he left behind when he went on leave.
Kent considers that his employment has been “repudiated,” and says he can no longer remain silent.
View the complete statement from Steve Kent at this link.
City of Mount Pearl have issued a release in the matter as well @Mount_Pearl pic.twitter.com/d9591nfOpH
— Greg Smith (@RadioGregSmith) June 25, 2020
