Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

By Eli J. Ridder

CITY HALL

Medicine Hat CAO calls for civility in New Year post, says ‘no room for bullies’

Jan 5, 2025 | 5:15 AM

Medicine Hat’s chief administrator Ann Mitchell is calling for a return to civility as she acknowledged a challenging 2024 that she said saw city staff come under significant public scrutiny.

“I want to give a big shout out to my team at the City of Medicine Hat for surviving the rough year that was 2024,” Mitchell wrote in a Jan. 1 LinkedIn post.

“Both administration and elected officials have been subject to an excessive amount of negativity, false narratives and general lack of respect.”

Mayor Linnsie Clark questioned Mitchell over a reorganization of city hall Clark said she didn’t have permission from council to carry out during a public council meeting in August 2023.

Clark was accused by council of breaking its code of conduct during that exchange. Council levied sanctions against Clark that a Calgary judge largely reversed while upholding the misconduct finding.

DEVELOPING

Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright says Mustard Seed shelter talks started last June

15h ago

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on in Medicine Hat and area this weekend: Jan. 3-5

Jan 04, 2025

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat, Alberta officials say Mustard Seed locations 'not ideal' in joint statement

Jan 03, 2025

Mitchell has been criticized by residents who see her as an aggressor and working against the objectives of the mayor.

Her online presence is limited, with LinkedIn as her only known social media outlet where she often shares her opinions and podcasts that she features on.

“One of my staff told me recently ‘we are here to serve’. However, that does not give permission for an open door to personal attacks,” Mitchell, a third-generation chief administrative officer, wrote.

“Elected officials run understanding that they are public officials and thus subject to more scrutiny. Administration is providing services for the community it serves as well as implementing Council’s vision.”

Chief administrators in Alberta are designed under provincial legislation to be the singular employee reporting to elected municipal councils. The administrator is responsible for carrying out council’s strategic goals and vision.

Mitchell told CHAT News in September that increased incivility was a barrier to attracting business and talent to Medicine Hat, while also acknowledging its leadership could set a better example amid a swell of distrust in municipal government.

“I have often said that we need to protect this sector and we all have a part to play,” she wrote on LinkedIn.

“Let us all bring civility back – there is no room for bullies in local government.”