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Commute plus workload caused him too much stress By BRAD REAUME The Champion It appears the grind just got to Barry Maîrosten. After 12 straight years in senior public service the 46-year-old chief administra- tive oficer for Halton Region pulled the plug Friday. "When I've left previous jobs I gave lots of notice, but it doesn't work," he explained Tuesday. "You can't deal with anyone. It's much easier to, go quickly." The sudden departure of Halton's senior bureaucrat caught many colleagues by sur- prise. While council did accept his resignation, Mr. Malmaten said there is discussion and negotiation regarding a severance package. Some Halton councillors have expressed surprise that a setulement is being negotiat- ed when Mr. Malmsten officially resigned from his post. One Halton counicillor, who wished to remain anonymous, said that Mr. Malmsten has expressed an interest in finding a private sector position. Mr. Malmaten started with Halton Region in January, 1997 and was commut- ing each day froro his home in Ajax. He called his resignation an agonizing deci- sion, one that he reached after substantial consideration. "My life was out of balance and il was affecting my work, my health and my faro- ily," he said. "It's been building for a while. My family didn't want to move. I really tried to make it work." Shocked by friend's attack Mr. Maîrosten said a heart attack suf- fered by a close friend really brought home how precarious his persona] situation was. He said the heart attack "hit me like a ton of bricks. 've been dragging my family around for 12 years so maybe it's their turn to win," he said. 've been buming the can- die at both ends for too many years." Mr. Malmsten said he really liked the organization in Halton but was increasing- ly frustrated with the province. He also explained the commute from Ajax took more out of him than he expect- ed, and coupled with the long hours on the job, made his home life non-existent. "My wife is happy that she has her hua- band back," he said, adding that due to the Barry Maimsten lsu nus job ast Friday. grind he was unable 10 shake minor ilI- nesses. Mr. Malmsten explained that he original- Iy hoped the commute would provide some opportunity for quiet retiection, how- ever, he said it tumned him into a "zombie" and made it dificult to concentrate in the office. Colleagues surprised Employees at Halton Region seemed taken aback at the sudden bass of the per- sonable and garrulous senior bureaucrat, saying tbey genuinely liked the man. Mr. Malmsten said he would take some time 10 consider his future and recharge his batteries. He did express an interest in teaching. With regard 10, the work itself, I really liked the organization. (Halton Chair) Joyce (Savoline) is good. She really cares about the right things," he said. "These are tough limes but they are good people." Mr. Malmsten said the important pro- jects at Halton Region are ail moving along reasonably well, except where they are waiting for the provincial govemment 10 act. The Halton Urban Structure Plan (HUSP) Milton growth blueprint will go through when the financial documentation is presented this month, he said. "There are turbulent imes ahead. I wish themn every success," he said. It was bet- ter for me to say 'this isn't working.'" Halton Chair Joyce Savoline, contacted at a conference in Regina, was very tight- lipped about Mr. Malmsten's resignation. She said there was no animosity regarding the situation and that she wishes him weil in future endeavors. This suspicious carfire could have burned home MuAgic, faily fun, r(d-re,,h- mien,,, nd firework& in the evenin8, ai. Qoiary Park and vicinity on JuIy i-St. The Canadien Champion, Friday, June 12, 1998 - 3 Milton Community Resource Centre's Annual FarniIy FurnFair ATURDAY, JUNE 13TH, 1998, 10:00 AM - 3:00 P VICTORIA PARK/TOWN HALL P(Pis irnor 54irie Urcder the 13iqTerit! For relaxation onuinte75aý-01 or visit some of your favourite friends in Hugh Foster Hall AaigCrafts - il 30am Magic Show by Jimbo the Clown BBQ Lunch ~ Fish Pond BaMey Tddler'sPlay Area i 2.3Oam Winnlie theo :0M Rfl&Slent Auction MD EGGY'S distinctive, 1adio,ý fah ios Complete selection of machine-washable mix and match co-ordinates. Available in 100% cotton or 65% - 35% polyester- cotton blend. Sizes 8 to 20 (your choice of many fashion colours). ANNUAL KORE TFrancisca SALE A suspicious tire in Milton has investi- gators asking for your help in determining ils cause and the person responsible. At 5 a.m., Sunday, Apr. 26, a man was awakened by a strange sound in the Churchill Avenue and Brock Court area of Milton, and he noticed lighît lickering on his bedroom walls. He looked out his bedroom window to sec a neighbour's white Ford Mustang on fi re. The ire department was callcd immtedi- ately, but the car couldn't be saved. Another car parked in the same drive- way suffered heat damage. The attending officer estimated the total damage 10 be $8,000. Both vehicles were parked close to the car owner's home. The house could have Crime Stoppers 0 F H AL TO0N gone up in flames as well, resulting in more damage or even injuries. If you have any information that leads 10 an arrest in this or any other case, you may he eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. You need not give your name and your information can he taken with complete anonymity. Cail 1-800-222-IPS or 825-TIPS. Crime Stoppers of Halton is operated by a board of directors made up of 18 civil- ians from ail areas of the region. %OFF MANY MORE IN-STORE SPECIALS SHOP EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION * ALL SALES FINAL OPNS UDY125p TRAFALGAR VILLAGE 25 Cross Ave., Oakville 844-5361 MILTON MALL 55 Ontario St. 878-1414 BURLINGTON MALL Guelph Lino 634-3882 1