by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jan 24/97) - City council will decide what to do about the vacancy left by the resignation of Alderman John Dalton at the end of the month.

Mayor Dave Lovell said Monday he had not discussed what to do about the vacancy as not all council members are in town.

"(Alderman) Ruth Spence is back on the 24th, and we'll wait until then to discuss this together," said Lovell.

Meanwhile, Dalton remains bowed but not broken. The former alderman called the Yellowknifer Wednesday to take exception to comments made in that day's edition of the paper.

The editorial took the view that, considering the several businesses he owns, his full-time job with the federal government and his council duties, Dalton had spread himself too thin.

"I'm very much aware of what I'm involved in, very much aware of my time," said Dalton.

"All of my businesses have full-time managers who are accountable and responsible for running the businesses," he added.

Dalton said he resigned from his managerial position with Human Resources Development Canada a month ago. The resignation takes effect in mid-August.

Once again, Dalton did not rule out the possibility of running for mayor in the October municipal election.

But he may return to the political scene before then.

When seats are left vacant less than a year before the next election, council policy has been to either leave the seat vacant or appoint a replacement.

Asked if Dalton would be appointed, Lovell replied, "It could be him or any person eligible to be elected."

Dalton resigned a week ago. He had been in violation of a law that states any alderman with an outstanding debt to the city of $500 or more for more than 90 days had to vacate their seat.

He repaid the debt Friday, the same day he resigned