WEST NIPISSING, Ont. — A Verner resident says she is prepared to throw her hat in the ring in a potential by-election for the Ward 7 seat in West Nipissing.
Josee Trepanier says she hopes West Nipissing will decide on a by-election as the way to proceed in Ward 7, in the process "allowing new members to submit their candidacy to represent the town of Verner."
See related story: Council split on replacing vacant seat in West Nipissing
On August 11, West Nipissing Council will attempt to determine how the seat left vacant by Jeremy Seguin's resignation will be filled. Choices include the appointment of the runner-up from the 2018 municipal election, Normand Roberge, accepting applications for the position, or holding a by-election.
Trepanier says her roots in the area run deep as she is a Verner resident with ties to both Lavigne and Deaulnier, while her husband’s family is originally from Verner and still resides there. Trepanier says any run for office would focus on "agriculture, keeping local buildings useful and definitely pushing for 12 months usage of our beautiful arena, just to name a few."
From Verner, Trepanier writes in a statement, "I wish to see my children raise their families here as well for them to be able to know their culture, understand and appreciate how this agricultural community has provided so much for so many families."
Trepanier adds, " I want to be the voice for the young families that have come to establish here as well as be the voice for those retired or who wish to someday return to their roots."
Former three-term councillor Roberge has stated he would gratefully accept appointment to the West Nipissing Council or run in a by-election for the Ward 7 seat if that is the will of the elected officials.
See: Former councillor eyes vacant seat — says he is ready, willing and able to serve community
The municipal council has had its share of internal strife, with personal grudges often spilling into meetings. Seguin resigned last month, frustrated with the direction and, what he categorized as a "lack of leadership" in West Nipissing. an assertion acknowledged by Mayor Joanne Savage.
