Downtown Development Director terminated by Board

SAULT STE. MARIE— The city now without a Downtown Development Authority director after the DDA board fired him Thursday night.

Jon De Roo was hired as the DDA director this past July. 

Before that, the city was without a director for 18-months.

Several members of the community spoke up in support of De Roo for what he has done in the few months he has been director., while a couple of others, spoke up against De Roo because of, what they say, were unprofessional comments to them and certain business owners, one d-d-a board member and city leaders.

After listening to public comment and from De Roo himself, board members voted 4-3 to terminate him as director.

Local business owner, Ray Bell voted to reprimand De Roo, but not fire him. 

This was Bell’s first day as board chairman.

“I personally did not like the way this was handled. Unfortunately and ultimately the board decided to terminate Mr. De Roo’s contract. In some ways, it was already decided before I stepped into this room on what the votes would be,” said Bell.

Bell said the board will be searching for a new director right away.

Source: Jim Lehocky/9and10news.com

EUP News Staff

One Comment

  1. Toni Phillips

    Oh I’m sure that mayor/city commission member (newly appointed by himself) has time!

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