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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday August 29, 2007 - 7 Bailey wants time with family Continued from page 1 foremost a desire to spend more time with his family, which has gone through a number of changes lately, including the death of his father-in-law. "There's been disagreements on the board, there's been time in the boardroom when things got personal," Bailey said after yesterday's meeting. "That wasn't the determining factor in my resignation." The chair will officially resign as of Aug. 31, at which time a bylaw states vice chair Alice Anne LeMay will step into the position. She'll serve as chair from Sept. 1 until the board's Dec. 4 meeting, when a by-election or other process the board votes on will determine the chair. LeMay, too, was asked to step down from her position as vice chair in April, and also refused. The reason five trustees called for the resignation of the board's leadership included an inability to work towards a common vision, agreeing on the proper role of the trustee and more. The motion for their resignations passed in April with a 5-4 majority, but it was non-binding. LeMay and Bailey turned down this formal request. "The whole position of the board in the last year has been disappoint- ing, it's been difficult," LeMay said. But, the Oakville trustee says, "I'm not going anywhere." The end of Bailey's nearly decade-long service on the board was met with a standing ovation at yesterday's meeting ­ with trustees on their feet, along with more than 20 spectators. The chair put his head down, wiping his eyes. "It wasn't an easy decision, believe me," Bailey said, referring several times to the board as "a family." "I appreciate the support I've been given. I hope you don't feel I've let you down, I hope that's not the case. That wasn't the intent." Bailey circulated a letter to the trustees explaining spending more time with his family is his chief reason for his decision to step down. He said with a death in the family, coupled with his daughter moving away to University, he felt he needed to devote more time to his wife. "Some things occurred in the last eight, 10 months that changed things. Maybe I wouldn't have run in the last election if some of these things had happened earlier." The motion for his resignation passed with only the dissent of Oakville trustee Ed Viana, who after a heartfelt speech flatly said, "I'm not going to accept this decision." The other trustees who voiced their opinion on Bailey's departure had similar things to say, that the decision was a tough one to swallow, but they had to accept it. "I think a person knows in their heart what is best for themselves and their family," LeMay said. "I know Al struggled with this for a long time. "He really has been a very dedicated trustee, and I know that this board will certainly miss him. But on the other hand, his family needs him." Added Oakville trustee Pauline Houlahan, who called the announcement "a very huge shock. I would think that your decision to resign six or seven months into your term speaks to the magnitude of your decision." She thanked Bailey on behalf of the people, who elected him. The trustees will discuss at a meeting Sept. 4 how they will determine the new chair. Bailey says there are a number of suitable candidates, including Joanne Matters, Bob Van de Vrande and LeMay, who have all been vice chairs in the past. As for whether LeMay's interested in the job, she says, "that decision will come in December." CARRIERS WANTED The Oakville Beaver The Oakville Beaver is looking for newspaper carriers in your neighbour hood! Support your local carrier International Centre Join our carrier club Earn extra money and win prizes Many routes still available Call immediately for more information 905-845-9742 For information or exhibitor opportunities call 905-815-0017