A point of curiosity and occasional criticism among readers has been clarified, with Mayor Brian Bigger explaining his recent absences through an open letter forward to Sudbury.com.
His father has been diagnosed with cancer, and Bigger said it has has fallen onto him as a caretaker and committed son to help him through it.
Despite this, he assures readers that he remains actively engaged with the community, staff and council in his role as mayor.
The following is Bigger’s full written statement, which the mayor read aloud during Tuesday’s finance and administration meeting:
“As you know, I have been absent from the past two City Council Meetings and would like to share some background on my role as a Mayor and a caretaker.
“We all understand the importance of supporting our aging parents – I am just one of tens of thousands of individuals across our community who assume the responsibility of being a caretaker and advocate for their parents.
“Recently, my family and I have learned that my Father was diagnosed with cancer which will rapidly progress in the upcoming months.
“Cancer has impacted all of our lives and I’m sure many of us have firsthand experience as to how difficult of times it can create. As my family navigates this diagnosis over the next few months, I hope you understand my responsibility as a caretaker and my commitment as a son to be there for him during this time.
“I can assure you all that I am not absent from my duties and continue to actively engage with the community and staff in my role as Mayor.
“During these times I intend to be involved wherever and whenever I can, which would not be possible without the strong network of support I receive from my family, City Staff and Council. Even simple accommodations such as utilizing a Deputy-Mayor to represent on my behalf has allowed me to be meaningfully present in both of my roles as a Mayor and caretaker – and for that, I am sincerely grateful.
“As I continue in my role as Mayor during this challenging time, please know that I am reachable and remain committed to City Council.”
Following Bigger’s statement, meeting chair and Ward 7 Coun. Mike Jakubo offered his thanks.
“Our thoughts are with you and your family going through this time,” he said. “It shows great courage on your part for sharing your story and what you are going through and we thank you for that and we very much appreciate your presence here tonight in our finance meeting.”
Tyler Clarke covers city hall and political affairs for Sudbury.com
