Mayoral candidate addresses New West City staff burnout

STATEMENT FROM KEN ARMSTRONG – CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR OF NEW WESTMINSTER

“On Monday, May 30, New Westminster city council ‘received for information’ the CAO’s report on Staffing Resource Challenges and Implications on Departments’ Service Delivery Work Plans. We learned from Ms. Spitale’s report that New West city staff are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, short on capacity due to the tight labour market, and overburdened with Council Strategic Priorities.

Rather than just receiving the report ‘for information’, Council had the opportunity to support staff and take decisive actions… but didn’t. The New West Progressives would have supported city staff by providing the alternate direction to sideline any non-civic mandate related ‘priorities’ and refocus on the basics of addressing local New Westminster matters within the influence of City Hall.

I want to assure city staff that our team has heard you loud and clear. When we are elected to council, we are committed to addressing your concerns rather than shelving them in a report. Our staff is and should be treated as our most valued resource.”