Local Government Minister Tony Simpson has dismissed the City of Canning’s Commissioner Linton Reynolds on Tuesday.
Former Armadale Mayor Linton Reynolds will officially be relieved off his duty at midnight tonight – September 16 – and he will be replaced with three new commissioners who are: David Gray, Stephanie Smith and Steven Cole.
Local Government Minister Tony Simpson stressed the new commissioners are independent as he praised Mr Reynolds’ contribution for the past 22 months and believes the council can look forward to the future.
The appointment came after barrister Dr Christopher Kendall’s report recommended the council to be dismissed. The report has highlighted the lack of transparency in council’s decisions and the lack of community engagement on certain issues.
“After carefully considering the inquiry report and submissions from the city and former councillors, I decided it was appropriate to accept Dr Kendall’s recommendation to dismiss the council,” Mr Simpson said.
The City of Canning’s Acting CEO Andrew Sharpe has acknowledged the Cabinet’s decision and praised Mr Reynolds’ hard work. “The City of Canning thanks Commissioner Reynolds for his hard work and dedication over the past 22 months,” Mr Sharpe said.
“Mr Reynolds came into the organisation at a time of uncertainty. His leadership has contributed towards reestablishing good governance, team work and improved community engagement. We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.”
The opposition’s local government spokesman David Templeman argued the government’s dismissal undermines democracy in order to suppress those who stand against local government reform.
“Linton Reynolds represented the people of Canning in a very strong and determined way, he reflected the community’s concerns,” Mr Templeman said.
“The people in Canning has been effectively dis-enfranchised through this chaotic process and the only person that has been able to articulate as an official representative for them has been Linton Reynolds, and the minister has gone and sliced him.”
The new local government boundary plan will be announced in a couple of weeks.