By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
November 10, 2023 Edition
The City of Mount Pearl’s probe into Steve Kent’s conduct as Chief Administrative Officer concluded earlier this year, but the City’s payment register suggests the story isn’t fully over.
In an e-mailed response, the City clarified that $71,618 in legal fees slated for payment to law firm McInnes Cooper last week were in relation to an appeal filed by former councillors Andrea Power and Andrew Ledwell who were removed from council three years ago for allegedly communicating with Kent during his legal dispute with the City.
Kent had been dismissed – he maintains he quit – after a number of staff complained they were bullied.
McInnes Cooper represented the City against the legal action launched by Power and Ledwell. Last week’s bills cover a protracted period up to August 31, 2023.
The imbroglio between Kent and the City, and the associated actions involving Power and Ledwell, have cost Mount Pearl taxpayers some $500,000 in legal fees and professional services over the last four years.
