At the April 21 council meeting, a local resident accused Huntsville mayor Claude Doughty of violating “what is a very long-standing and well-understood convention or rule in government in Canada that elected officials should never, ever chastise civil servants by name in public for any reason.”

Terry Russell made a deputation to council at the meeting regarding concerns over Doughty’s comments in an article published in this newspaper on April 9.

In both a written submission and presentation to council, Russell said it was inappropriate to suggest that former top-level administrators at the town were to blame for issues with the municipal books that arose during this year’s budget process.

Russell also questioned Doughty’s comments that he is not to blame for budgetary issues because, as mayor, he is not required to have any financial knowledge or experience, nor is he required to examine the town’s finances line by line.

“Indeed the mayor is not expected to proof the numbers, but as chief executive officer, you must take steps to ensure the numbers flow correctly,” said Russell.

Following Russell’s presentation, Doughty stated, “The article is of concern to me. I will be issuing a formal statement later this week.”

When contacted by the Forester Monday, Doughty said he has no further comment at this time.