New Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish Makes Bold Moves with Strong Mayor Powers, Fires Top Bureaucrat

In her inaugural week as mayor of Mississauga, Carolyn Parrish has already wielded her strong mayor powers multiple times, despite indicating during her campaign that she would minimize their use, as per a CBC News report.

Speaking to CBC News on May 7, Parrish expressed her intention to rely more on persuasion and solid policy rather than strong mayor powers, stating, “I would try not to use strong mayor powers. I think the power of persuasion and general good solid policy is much stronger.”

However, since assuming office, Parrish has employed these powers to effect significant changes, including the abrupt termination of Shari Lichterman, the former city manager and CAO. According to Lichterman, Parrish informed her the day after her inauguration that her position was terminated immediately without cause.

Under the provincially granted strong mayor powers, Parrish bypassed council approval to appoint Geoff Wright as the interim city manager and CAO, effective immediately until year-end, replacing Lichterman.

“I was hoping to be given an opportunity to work with her,” Lichterman expressed. “But clearly, she had already made a decision.”

Despite requests for comment from CBC News, Parrish has not addressed the reasons behind her decisions.

Among other directives issued in her first days in office, Parrish rescinded previous delegations of power, appointed interim officials, created new positions, and restructured committees, raising concerns among political experts about potential discord within the council and city staff.

The role of the city manager and CAO is crucial in ensuring effective municipal operations, such as delivering public services and managing city resources.

Following her abrupt dismissal, Lichterman acknowledged her surprise and concern over the potential politicization of administrative roles. However, she expressed confidence in her successor, Geoff Wright, and wished him success in leading the city forward.

In a statement to CBC News, the new interim city manager and CAO affirmed their commitment to providing independent advice and recommendations to the council, emphasizing continuity in their role despite the recent changes.

Parrish, in a news release on June 26, thanked Lichterman for her service and contributions to Mississauga, though she did not elaborate on the reasons behind the leadership change.

As the city adjusts to these swift administrative changes, concerns linger about the implications for governance and staff morale under Parrish’s leadership.

The Mississauga City Council convened for the first time under Mayor Parrish on June 26, following Lichterman’s departure, marking a pivotal moment for the city’s administrative landscape under its new leadership.