Retiring Essex CAO reflects on serving community in which he grew-up and raised a family

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative

Essex CAO Doug Sweet grew-up in Essex, raised his family in Essex, and has been proud to work for the Town for 16 of the 36-years he has committed to his career in municipal governance.

He is set to retire Friday, May 16, and while he is excited to spend more time with his four grandkids and family, he will miss the friendships he has formed over the years with colleagues, council members, and members of the community.

Sweet started his municipal career with the City of Windsor, right after graduating university through a co-op program. He started in its Parks and Rec and special events department. He said he loved the work.

He was able to transfer the wealth of knowledge he obtained working for the City to his hometown of Essex in 2004. He spent four-years here, before returning back to Windsor. 11-years ago, he returned to Essex to take on the Director of Community Services position. His role was eventually expanded to include Deputy CAO, before he was promoted to CAO in 2021.

The list of accomplishments of which Sweet is most proud is long. Being in the Community Services Department is unique in that “I can drive through the entire municipality and kind of see where I have had an impact.”

A few of the standouts was the development of the Colchester Park, which started with a gravel parking lot with no accessibility. It is now a great regional park, Sweet said.

Heritage Garden Park in Essex Centre is also a top project in which Sweet has helped to develop. It used to have the train tracks, and has become a hub with the pavilion, washroom, memorial Spitfire, with plans for an amphitheatre to come.    

He was part of developing the twin pad arena in Essex Centre, and is proud to have had a hand in establishing the Maedel Community Centre, the developing Essex Sports Fields, and the Essex Municipal Building expansion taking place currently.

Sweet also points to simple things, like playground replacements. There used to be outdated equipment, and a plan was put in place to modernize.

He also reflects on some of the special events that have taken place over the years, such as the Canada 225 in Colchester, and hosting the Provincial Paralympic Games several years ago.  

Before Sweet earned the CAO position, he noted there were four CAOs in five-years. His goal was to create some stability, which he believes has taken place. That has been great for Town staff, the community, and allowed the Town to work on a lot of roads and complete the Harrow and Essex Centre Streetscapes in the last few years.

“No matter what job you do, you have an impact; be it good or bad. And, hopefully, I have had a positive impact. I think I have in terms of even the CAO role,” Sweet said. He hopes he created a foundation upon which the next CAO can continue to build.

One of the most challenging aspects is the financial-side of running a municipality, Sweet said. People expect services, and the Town wants to provide those services. “But it is a challenge with the money you have.”

The term “you have to do more with less,” no longer applies. He would tell his staff “We have to do more differently.”

The group will now always think outside the box to see what can be done with the funding available.

Social media has also been a challenge, Sweet acknowledged. The expectations, and speed and response, in which residents want an answer is a challenge.

Sweet sees growth with the Town continuing, but it has to be controlled and reasonable. As people start moving out to the county more, he believes quality of life amenities will become more important to residents.

In terms of officially moving towards retirement, Sweet said he has known for a couple years what he wanted to plan.

“I love my job, I love the people I work with; that will be the one thing I miss, is definitely the people.”

During COVID, he said he wasn’t going to ask staff to come in to work, if he wasn’t willing himself, for instance. So, he did.

He loves talking with people.

Most of his career has been 24/7 on call, Sweet explained. He just wants to be able to enjoy his life and his family, especially his four grandkids.  

He hasn’t ruled out possibly doing some consulting in the future, but definitely wants to spend at least the first year enjoying his retirement.

In addition to enjoying family time, Sweet said he plans to continue being active in sports and travel.  

As someone who grew-up and raised a family in Essex, Sweet said it has been great to work in his own community and have a positive impact. “I’m pretty proud of that.”

One piece of advice Sweet would give to the incoming CAO, would be to ensure they maintain a healthy work-life balance.

“This role is incredibly demanding—truly a 24/7 commitment—and it’s easy to get pulled in many directions with the expectations of Council, residents, and staff. It can be hard to disconnect, and over time, that takes a toll on both mental and physical health. While the job is very fulfilling, the constant pressure to respond quickly can sometimes overshadow the importance of personal well-being. That’s why I believe work-life balance is a critical piece of advice for anyone stepping into this role.”

He added his leadership style was to be collaborative and listen to people. Any decisions made were always in the best interest of the Town.  

Several Essex Councillors expressed their gratitude to Sweet during his last Essex Council meeting on Monday evening.

“Doug’s leadership has been instrumental in preparing the Town for a successful future. His efforts have laid a strong foundation for continued growth and wellbeing for the community. I am truly grateful for all the hard work and commitment you did. Thank you, Doug, for everything you have done for Essex,” Councillor Jason Matyi said.

  Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley added that Sweet’s steady guidance, dedication, and leadership have been invaluable to Council, the community, and to himself.

“Throughout my term, you have been a constant source of support, insight, and integrity,” Shepley added. “You helped navigate challenges, celebrated successes, and always kept the interest of Essex at the forefront.”

Sweet’s professionalism and genuine care for the municipality will leave a lasting legacy, Shepley commented.  

Councillor Kim Verbeek spoke of how Sweet’s calm, kind mannerism have helped her out on many issues.

Councillor Brad Allard called Sweet a mentor.

An emotional Mayor Sherry Bondy said she is not ready to let Sweet go, because she has been on Council for over a decade, and believes he is the best CAO the Town has ever had.

“Each time we had a CAO retire, I knocked on his door and asked him to consider applying,” Bondy said. “Doug, you have done an amazing job, not just in leading this Town, but in showing leadership in all your roles.”

The bar is set extremely high, Bondy added, noting Council and the community have come to expect a lot from the next CAO.

Sweet noted it was humbling to hear all of the kind words.

At his last Council meeting, Sweet said that moment brought reflection and immense gratitude.

“Essex has always been more than just my place to work, it is my home town. It is where I grew up, raised my family, and built a lifetime of memories. To be able to give back to this Town in such a meaningful way has been one of the greatest honours of my life.”

He thanked Essex’s residents for the privilege of allowing him to serve for them. “It has truly been an honour to help support and grow this vibrant, welcoming community we all call home.”

To past and present Councils, he extended his deepest gratitude. “Together, we faced challenges, we celebrated achievements, and always remained focused on the best interest of our community.”

To his staff members, Sweet noted they are the backbone of the municipality. “Your hard work, professionalism, and unwavering commitment day-in-and-day-out make a real difference in the lives of our residences.”

To the Corporate Leadership Team, Sweet noted what they have achieved together is a testament to what can happen when collaboration and a shared purpose lead the way. “I have learned so much from each of you, and I know you will continue to raise the bar.”

While accomplishments are significant, it will be the people he will remember and miss the most. “The friendships, the connections, the laughter, and a shared sense of purpose; these are the moments that made this journey truly special. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with such amazing people.”

He also acknowledged his family for their support and patience over the years, especially during those more demanding times.

“It has truly been an incredible journey,” an emotional Sweet said. “The Town of Essex has a bright future ahead and I can’t wait to watch it unfold.”

Sweet’s replacement has not yet been selected.