Petrolia Line-Main St Petrolia  File Photo April 28/17 (Photo by Melanie Irwin)Petrolia Line-Main St Petrolia File Photo April 28/17 (Photo by Melanie Irwin)
Sarnia

Petrolia CAO/Clerk Resigns After Investigation

Petrolia's chief administrative officer and Clerk has resigned.

Manny Baron, who held the position since July 2012, will be replaced by Mandi Pearson on an interim basis until a successor is found.

In a statement Tuesday, Petrolia Mayor John McCharles says he will not be commenting on the circumstances that led to his resignation.

"The council is grateful to Mr. Baron for his assistance in enabling the town to enhance Main St., build a new waste water treatment plant and establish the Central Lambton Family Health Team," McCharles says. "We appreciate his contributions to the town in this regard and wish him well."

Baron was placed on administrative leave in October, after The Independent reported that Baron had been charging the town rent, and utilities in lieu of rent on facilities he owned through a numbered company.

An investigation was launched into the allegations of conflict of interest by independent investigator John E. Fleming.

Mayor McCharles has confirmed that Fleming's report has been received and will not be made public since it pertains to personnel matters.

-With files from Melanie Irwin

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