I understand there’s quite a bit of chatter at city hall these days about who might be planning to take earlier-than-really-necessary retirement. A few posters here have speculated about Mike Flanigan, the head of real-estate services.

Mike contacted me to make this definitive statement: “There is absolutely no truth in the rumour. I remain very happily employed with the City and will undertake my continued role as Director of Real Estate Services in support of Council’s priorities as directed by the CIty Manager.”

I have to say, also, that I have never heard Mike’s name mentioned as a possible leaver. I have heard of others — four names keep resurfacing over and over — but no one from Mike’s part of the building. I’d think Mike, whatever his talents elsewhere, is in good standing with this council as he worked closely with former Vision councillor Jim Green on the Woodward’s building and kept it on track.

By the way, I’m happy to post a constantly updated list of city hall employees who are NOT planning to leave their jobs. Just send me a note and an affadavit swearing that you haven’t contacted a headhunting firm and I’ll put your name up immediately.