No conclusions have yet been reached in the City of Mount Pearl’s investigation into former Chief Administrative Officer Steve Kent.
Yesterday, the city announced that Dana Spurrell has been appointed to the position.
Kent initially took a leave of absence in the fall of 2019 from the position.
It was later revealed that an internal investigation was launched into an “HR matter” regarding Kent. The following June, Kent resigned from the position and launched a lawsuit against the city.
Mayor Dave Aker says the city is working with their lawyers and other external agencies to move through the remaining phases of the investigation, but cannot comment more.
(Steve Kent, submitted photo.)
Kent Responds
Meanwhile, Steve Kent is responding to the mayor’s comments.
In a statement sent to VOCM News, Kent calls Aker’s commentary on the situation “absurd.” He says Aker and Deputy Mayor Jim Locke are the only ones that haven’t moved on, saying they are abusing taxpayers’ money “beating a dead horse.”
Kent alleges that “documented issues” regarding the conduct of Aker and Locke have been “swept under the rug” by council, but having a new CAO in place should help everyone move forward.
Further, he hopes the upcoming municipal election will result in a fresh start for city council.
“I extend sincere congratulations to Dana Spurrell on her appointment. I worked with Dana during my ten years in government. She is a capable and seasoned public servant.
Dave Aker’s commentary on VOCM concerning a political conflict in 2019 with him, Jim Locke, and a disgruntled former employee, is absurd. I resigned my position with the City over seven months ago. The only people that haven’t moved on are Aker and Locke, and they continue to abuse taxpayers’ dollars beating a dead horse.
It is unfortunate that documented issues related to Dave Aker’s and Jim Locke’s inappropriate conduct have been swept under the rug by the current members of Council. Having a new CAO finally in place should help everyone move forward. Hopefully the municipal election this fall will result in a completely fresh start for Mount Pearl City Council. That’s definitely what is needed.”
-Statement from Steve Kent.
