Toowoomba Regional Council CEO Spencer handwrites resignation letter in front of Mayor Taylor ...

... followed quickly by Mayor Taylor gagging Councillors.

What's going on?

Excerpt from the Chronicle:

Mayor gags council over CEO

5 November 2008

Toowoomba Regional councillors yesterday bowed to a gag order imposed by Mayor Peter Taylor over the shock resignation of chief executive officer Philip Spencer.

Only Cr Carol Taylor was brave enough to defy the directive.

The Chronicle contacted councillors about Mr Spencer's resignation, but most said the mayor was to be the only spokesman on the issue.

The mayor yesterday did not offer any well-wishes or praise for Mr Spencer.

“I'm a professional, he's a professional, and he's decided to resign,” Cr Taylor said.

“I wouldn't say I'm shocked.

“He sat down at the table and handwrote his resignation.

“He cited personal reasons for wanting to retire and that he was interested in pursuing other activities.”

Cr Taylor said he would not comment on how he felt about the resignation, or whether he saw it coming.

He denied telling councillors that they could not comment to the media.

Mr Spencer yesterday was relaxed and full of praise for his fellow staff.

Mr Spencer, 60, told The Chronicle that he was finished being a career man and wanted to concentrate on being a family man instead.
...

“Basically, I'm just a tad tired.”
...

Mr Spencer's resignation will be effective tomorrow and Cr Taylor has appointed Brian Pidgeon as the acting CEO in the interim.

Council will have two options for appointing a new CEO.

Cr Taylor said council could appoint an existing employee or could go to the market and advertise the position.

Council will discuss these options at the next ordinary meeting on Wednesday, November 19.

See - Spencer forced to handwrite resignation - Taylor gags Councillors.

What the Councillors said:

Cr Mike Williams: “I don't think it's of interest to comment. Councillors have been advised not to speak on the matter.”

Cr Ros Scotney: “I don't think we're allowed to (comment).” Cr Scotney said that Mayor Peter Taylor sent councillors an email on Tuesday night saying that he was to be the media spokesperson.

Cr Joe Ramia: “We received an email from his worship saying that he'd be the spokesperson to talk about it. Rather than getting the different stories from different people.”

Deputy Mayor Cr Paul Antonio:“It's pretty sensitive stuff. I have no comment. Peter Taylor is the spokesperson.”

Cr Ann Glasheen:“You will need to ring the mayor. He (Philip Spencer) was a good person but you'll need to ring the mayor for press comment, not me.”

Cr Peter Marks:“You will need to speak to Peter Taylor.”

Cr Carol Taylor:“I think the mayor is the best person to speak to because he's spoken to Phil.

“I think he's (Philip Spencer) guided us through the most difficult process as part of the Local Transition Committee through the first six months of restructuring the council."

“He's done a wonderful job under difficult circumstances. I think all the councillors and staff appreciate the hard work he's done and wish him well.”

Cr Noel Strohfeld: (Could not be reached yesterday.)

Cr Bill Cahill: (Could not be reached yesterday.)

So a quick resignation and not working out the notice period in his contract.

Hmm.

And who's lying about the gag order - Mayor Taylor or most of the other Councillors?

Everyone's credibility is now on the line.

Maybe someone should provide the Taylor email.

That might just show who's lying ...