The City of Cornwall is about to begin a new chapter with the recent retirement announcements of CAO Paul Fitzpatrick and Clerk Denise Labelle-Gelinas. Both had long careers with several titles within the Corporation. That means two of the top positions within the City Administration will have fresh faces over the next several months.

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Cornwall - Jul. 5, 2012 - There are times you have to take out the bad and ugly to find the good in situations. I’ve always been a "glass half full" kind of person meaning if there’s a problem, let’s not drown in our sorrows. Take a step back, consider, ponder or simply take a break and give yourself an opportunity to dissect the problem and return to the table with possible solutions or ways to improve the situation. Anybody can complain. True leaders help solve problems.

If anything my past life, Assistant News Director with Corus Entertainment taught me it was to never assume (you know how the saying goes) and don’t fall prey to rumours or innuendo. The saying “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” doesn’t always apply – once a fire is out, sometimes the smoke can linger for a while.

But every once in a while, you have to ensure you have all the facts before attempting to find a solution to a perceived problem. This is where the difficult part begins, getting all the correct facts. When you doubt what should be a reliable source, you have to find alternate paths to the truth and that can take time.

One thing I’ve learned from being on Cornwall City Council since October 2010 is patience. You may not find the answer you’re looking for unless you ask the direct, proper question. Even then the answers may not include the information you’re looking for.

Eventually all problems get resolved, intentionally or otherwise and you can move on to the next task or a “new problem”.

We’re about to begin a new chapter with the recent retirement announcements of CAO Paul Fitzpatrick and Clerk Denise Labelle-Gelinas. Both had long careers with several titles within the Corporation.

That means two of the top positions within the City Administration will have fresh faces over the next several months. If the vacancies are filled with current staff members then those jobs will need to be filled. Bottom line is a different approach could be on the horizon.

Dealing with change can be tedious and cause for hesitation but not for a glass half full kind of guy.

The second half of the Council’s mandate should be interesting and I’m looking forward to continued progress and working towards ensuring Cornwall reaches its potential.