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Princeton CAO Cheryl Martens resigns

Top town administrator has already cleaned out her office and left municipal hall
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Princeton’s CAO Cheryl Martens resigned her position Friday over the noon hour, effective immediately.

Her decision comes just four days after she swore in a new mayor and council, at a ceremony Monday night.

By 12:30 p.m. Martens had cleaned out her office and left municipal hall.

In a brief interview with The Spotlight she said she did not want to share too many details of the events leading up to her resignation.

She cited an email exchange, a subsequent meeting with the mayor, and said: “it was apparent that it’s not going to work.”

Mayor Spencer Coyne did not immediately respond to The Spotlight’s request for an interview.

Newly-elected councillor George Elliott made a brief statement when contacted.

“I’m just going to say it’s unfortunate that it’s happened, but we will move forward.”

Martens praised other city hall managers. “I wish the town the best and I’ve done the best I can.”

Martens was hired in January, to replace Rick Zerr who resigned in December 2018.

She has 21 years experience in municipal government administration, and was selected from 38 candidates.

On October 20 there was a wholesale overturn of elected leadership, with the mayor and all four councillors being replaced in the municipal election.

Former councillor Doug Pateman expressed deep disappointment and even anger over Friday’s events.

“This is the best team we’ve had here in 13 years, according to senior management,” said Pateman.

Martens said Lyle Thomas, director of recreation, is the town’s deputy CAO.

The Spotlight will update this story as more information becomes available.

Related: Princeton welcomes new CAO

Related: New CAO halts question period at first council meeting

Related: Complete turnover of leadership in Princeton municipal election

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andrea.demeer@similkameenspotlight.com

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Andrea DeMeer

About the Author: Andrea DeMeer

Andrea is the publisher of the Similkameen Spotlight.
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