IGNACE, Ont. – There’s been a shakeup at the top in Ignace, Ont.
Mayor Donald Cunningham and CAO Marsha Reader have both tendered their resignations. Cunningham’s takes effect immediately, while Reader’s comes into effect on May 30.
Cunningham said his departure is a reaction to ongoing social media vitriol.
“(I) have been witness to how a very vocal group of Ignace citizens have taken it upon themselves to continually victimize Township staff on social media and in the community, to such a point that it has affected their personal and professional lives and that of their family members,” Cunningham said in a letter to deputy Mayor Debbie Hart and several councillors.
“This has also not been beneficial in the attraction and retention of qualified professional Township staff members and attracting investors to our community.”
Cunningham says he does not regret running for mayor, but added if the community wants to succeed, it will have to grow, adapt and change.
“I am fiercely proud to call Ignace my home. I know I don’t need to convince many of your reading this that Ignace is a wonderful community, a vibrant place filled with spirit where people can be happy to live, work and raise a family,” Cunningham said.
“That’s why it saddens me to announce that ... I will be resigning from my position of mayor of the Township of Ignace, as someone has to make a stand that victimizing Township staff members cannot be tolerated.”
