The Chief Administrative Officer and Clerk of the town of Petrolia has been placed on paid administrative leave. Council has voted to appoint an independent investigator, John E. Fleming, to review what council calls a personal matter involving Manny Baron. Although the town did not release any further information, media reports say the building housing The Rec Room, a town-run youth and seniors centre, is owned by Mr. Baron, although it's believed that no rent is being charged to the municipality for the use of the property on Robert St. In March, town documents indicate that council agreed to commit $11,000 towards the Centre and the Fiddick family became the major sponsor of the Rec Room with their donation of $10,000. The report did not disclose the property's owner. Deputy Clerk Mandi Pearson will be overseeing operations at town hall in Baron's absence.
Petrolia Drop In Centre (Submitted Photo)
