Greater Sudbury Northern Life Reporter Bill Bradley
Famed British rocker "Elton John" (a.k.a. Rick Petryna)
returned to Sudbury last week, making an appearance at
Ristorante Verdicchio's eatery. He was part of the celebration
of the retirement for Greater Sudbury chief administrative
officer Mark Mieto.
"Elton John" played a few numbers, while being heavily guarded
by "security" personnel, as he played to an enthusiastic crowd
of city staffers, Mieto's family members, local business people
and three other CAOs from northern Ontario. City taxpayers need
not be enraged - everyone paid for tickets to attend, including
refreshments, according to organizer Paul Stopciati. The event
was organized privately, he said.
The evening was centred on the achievements of Mieto, retiring
after more than 30 years of public service. Sudbury MPP Rick
Bartolucci noted Mieto had left the city's coffers in good
shape: "Mark started with a $50-million reserve fund in 2002.
Now there is $120 million. I call that fine stewardship."
Mayor John Rodriguez noted "Mark was a driving force behind
health and social services for years in the city before he
became CAO."
CAO Joe Fratesi, from Sault Ste. Marie, commended Mieto on his
service to all northern Ontario cities.
"Mark always brought something positive to the table in our
meetings. He was always a step or two ahead of us," said
Fratesi. Timmins Mayor Tom Laughren said Mieto helped his city
many times, offering vital information to his council when
requested.
Also in attendance were numerous city councillors, CUPE Union
Local 4705 president Wyman MacKinnon, city managers, deputy
police Chief Frank Elsner, Sudbury Regional Hospital CEO Vickie
Kaminski and executive director of SAMSSA Dick DeStefano, among
others.
