To the editor:
What happened to democracy? For years now, some municipalities have had members of council who left their seats on council, for various reasons, that need to be filled by another member. The issue of how these vacant positions are filled becomes concerning as I now believe democracy is lost after election day.
Most municipalities adopt a policy that where one of two choices are stated: 1) have a by-election that will cost their taxpayers about $10,000 to $15,000, or 2) council nominate a person through a selection process that is usually conducted by the candidate submitting a letter for nomination.
Obviously, council will select #2 to save taxpayers money. Also, this would leave council in control of who they would want to fill the empty seat. Is this democratic or socialist behaviour?
Some municipalities have a third option, and that is to select the next person on the voting list who was not voted to be on council. After all, the unsuccessful candidate put out money for their campaign, attended public forums, and took an initial interest to be a member of council during the nomination period. One would think that this would be the democratic way. Also, it would the be most cost efficient way.
The CAO or clerk would contact the next person on the voting list and ask if he/she/or they would be interested in filling the vacancy. If accepted, then council would appoint this person without prejudice or discrimination – end of process. If the successive person decides not to accept the position, then the CAO or Clerk will go down the list until someone does accepts the position.
I have reserved thoughts when I hear of complaints about the costs of a by-election, when small communities pass by-laws to increase budgets for certain second-tier events/organizations by $30,000 - $40,000 without any consultation with the public. But when there is a democratic issue to be taken, then there is great fuss about costs. There is something wrong with this picture.
What truly amazes me the most is that MPPs and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing allow for this to happen. The Municipal Act allows for municipal governments to govern their municipal affairs with full descretion. However, where do you draw the line?
Democracy should never be compromised at any cost.
Ed Dunnill
Manitouwadge
