With one of Chatham-Kent’s councillors now elected provincial parliament, municipal administration is recommending that the council seat be filled by the next runner-up in the municipal election.
In a report coming before council on Monday, staff will suggest that Moréna McDonald be appointed as the new councillor for Ward3/East Kent. If she accepts the appointment, McDonald would be sworn in as soon as possible.
“There is approximately two and a half years remaining for the 2022 – 2026 term of office. Time is of the essence in filling the vacancy in order to allow Ward 3 appropriate representation,” staff said in the report.
McDonald was the third runner-up in the 2022 municipal election, behind Councillor Steve Pinsonneault and Councillor John Wright. She received 1,161 votes or 21.23 per cent of all votes cast.
Should McDonald decline the appointment, council is being asked to direct administration to conduct a by-election for Ward 3. The estimated cost to hold a by-election would be around $75,000, which would be allocated from election reserves.
Councillor Pinsonneault was elected as the new MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex in a provincial by-election last week. His seat will be officially declared vacant during council’s meeting on Monday.