Carbonear Town Hall bids adieu to calm, conscientious ‘Crackerjack’ of a CAO

By Mark Squibb

When Cynthia Davis paid a visit back home in 1998, she didn’t know that it would result in a nearly 30-year career with her hometown.

Davis, formerly a Batten, was visiting with family when her mother Shirley notified her that the Town of Carbonear was looking to hire a new town clerk administrator.

At the time, Davis was working with the Town of Glenwood out in central but decided to apply for the position anyway.

Davis was hired soon after, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The longstanding and well-respected chief administrative officer officially announced her retirement, effective February 18th, during the February 12th public meeting.

“I appreciated the opportunity I was given when I took this position to return home and work in this capacity,” said Davis. “I’ve worked under many councils since I started working with the Town, and I would like to thank them, including our current council, for their support over the years. I must say, councils have been very good and I appreciated that support.”

Davis extended her thanks to her family, as well as residents, some of whom she’s perhaps had to be a bearer of bad news to over the years.

“As you know, as administrator, you’re required to follow many provincial Acts, regulations, municipal regulations, policies, and you can’t always give residents the answers that they want to hear or hope to get,” she admitted. “But in most situations, I’ve always felt that I’ve been shown respect, and most have understood those situations.”

Davis also thanked her fellow town staff members.

“It’s their knowledge and work effort that has helped me perform my duties and responsibilities to the best of my ability,” said Davis. “You see your work family on a daily basis, and I’ll certainly miss them.”

Mayor Sam Slade, who was deputy mayor when Davis was hired, confessed that the mayor at the time, Claude Garland (whom Slade praised in his own right) initially had some reservations about the new hire.
“Claude looked at me one day, and he said, ‘Slade boy, I don’t know. She’s pretty small to deal with some of the rugged fellers around here,’” recalled Slade. “A month after that, Claude returned to me and said, ‘Slade, don’t go worrying about her my son, she’s a crackerjack!’ That’s one thing I can remember Claude saying, and it was so true. She is indeed a crackerjack.”

Right up to her final meeting, Slade would genially refer to Davis as Mrs. Town Administrator.

“Throughout her career, she has been a steady and trusted presence, guiding council, supporting staff, and always keeping the best interest of Carbonear at the heart of every decision,” said Slade. “Her professionalism, integrity, and deep institutional knowledge have been very valuable, especially during times of change and challenge. Carbonear is a flourishing community because of her work.”

Although Davis worked closely with all members of council and staff, perhaps no one will feel her absence so much as Town Clerk and finance director Cathy Sommers, who was hired alongside Davis back in ’98.
“After working with someone for that long, I’m sure going to miss her,” said Sommers. “But it’s great that’s she able to retire and spend more time with her family. She’s worked long and hard for 28 years, and she’s done great for her community.”

Sommers said Davis was someone who would work alongside anyone to find a solution to a problem and brought a wealth of knowledge to the town hall.

Her respect for Davis was reciprocated.

“Cathy and I started working here in 1998, and you can’t help but develop a bond when you work together for 28 years in such a close working environment,” said Davis. “Like I said, I’ll miss her, and I’ll miss everybody.”

Sommers, meanwhile, has been appointed interim CAO until a permanent appointment is made.

In her time with the Town, Davis has overseen seven municipal elections, increased development throughout Carbonear, particularly along Columbus Drive, and nurtured the revitalization of the historic downtown core and several major infrastructure projects. She was also tasked with the unenviable job of guiding the Town during the tumultuous period following the ousting and later reinstatement of former mayor Frank Butt.
Unbeknownst to Davis, a small celebration was planned in her honor following last week’s public council meeting, attended by many friends, family, and members of staff and council, past and present.

Following her retirement, Davis is looking forward to travelling, and spending more time with family, including her father Rob, husband Brent, daughters Kaylee and Chelsea, and granddaughter Skye.
“Despite the challenges, it has been a very rewarding and fulfilling career,” said Davis. “I can only hope I helped make a difference in my hometown.”