Resignation triggers by-election
Would-be two-term councillor quits just after re-election
April Hudson
Northern News Services
Thursday, November 5, 2015
LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Fort Simpson Councillor Larry Campbell has resigned from his position on village council.
Newly-elected village council meets for the first time. Clockwise from front left are councillors Jarret Hardisty, Muaz Hassan, Liza McPherson, clerk Amanda Burrill, Mayor Darlene Sibbeston, senior administrative officer Beth Jumbo and councillors Cheryl Cli, Chuck Blyth and Bob Hanna. - April Hudson/NNSL photo
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Campbell's decision came two days after his re-election for a second term. In his resignation letter to the village, dated Oct. 21, Campbell stated he plans to contract with the village.
"I have carefully and cautiously reviewed my current status as an elected village council member," he stated. "I feel that it is within the best interests of all parties involved that I hereby withdraw my name as an elected village council member."
The letter notes he will be lobbying other governments as well as the public for retention of his services. In resigning, he said, his intention is to avoid perceptions of conflict.
On Nov. 2, the newly elected mayor and council met for the first time. At that meeting, they agreed the best option open to them is to call a by-election for Campbell's seat.
Coun. Bob Hanna said he had heard dissatisfaction from residents who thought council might appoint someone to Campbell's position.
"The only honest, fair way to do this is through a by-election," he said. "There is probably a lot of new interest in what happens at the village level ... People might not like the outcome (of a by-election), but with that option it is the people who vote the person on to council."
Calling a by-election was one of three options open to the village.
Bob Brooks, director of community governance with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, said the decision to fill a vacant council seat is guided by the territorial Local Authorities Election Act and a village bylaw.
The village bylaw sets out three options. Councillors could appoint a new councillor from the list of nominated election candidates, accept names from the public and decide by a council vote or call a by-election.
Brooks said municipalities usually have a fourth option open to them - to leave the spot vacant until the next election - but the village's bylaw inhibits that option by requiring a vacant seat to be filled unless the municipality is within 11 months of another general election.
At the council table, councillors agreed with Hanna that any option other than a by-election could lead to accusations of unfairness in the selection process.
"People are looking for change," said Coun. Cheryl Cli. "Let's not do things the way they were always done."
A firm date has not yet been set for the by-election.
