Web posted on July 17, 2007

Rumours circulating for several days about the sudden departure of city treasurer David Kennedy, have been confirmed.

A news release from Guelph city hall issued 16 July 2007 tersely states: "The following announcement was shared with the Mayor and Members of Council and all of City Staff this morning: "David Kennedy has chosen to retire from the City of Guelph. Mr. Kennedy was an employee with the City for 25 years in a variety of progressively responsible positions, most recently as Director of Finance/Treasurer. The City of Guelph would like to take this opportunity to thank David for his contributions and accomplishments in the service of our community. On behalf of the City, we wish to extend our best wishes to David in his future endeavours."

Neither Mayor Karen Farbridge nor interim CAO Hans Loewig would comment further. With little factual information available, questioning and conjecture are rampant. Kennedy is not the first senior manager to depart. In the past four years, two Chief Administrative Officers have resigned, nine senior managers were let go in an apparent reorganization and now another very senior administrator has, voluntarily or involuntarily, left the scene.