The Final Curtain?

I have written in this column before about the prohibitive cost of parting with important staff prematurely. The nature of many severance settlements can be a severe drain upon the resources of a busy authority like ours. I would always prefer a less expensive system. But now that it is becoming a matter of record and report that our masterful Chief may be seeking fresh challenges the subject deserves some political opinion too. Let me make it clear. I want Alan to stay. I think Alan has made such a generous contribution to the future of Somerset that his untimely departure would be immensely damaging for us all. I must, however, respect the decision that he is said to have made in applying for this new role. Cornwall succeeded in its bid for Unitary status. Somerset, sadly, failed. It could have been the other way round. In which case we would have every reason to celebrate. But Alan's vision has ensured that Somerset can still put out the bunting with pride. He has excelled beyond the boundaries. And though we cannot afford the salary of £200,000 and more that this new job commands, we know that he is worth every penny. The decision will be made by the end of the month. I am torn between praying that he fails and so wanting him to succeed.