East Ferris declared the council seat previously occupied by the late Mike Voyer vacant, Tuesday, and Coun. Steve Trahan was appointed the new deputy mayor.
Voyer, whose community service stretched a life-time in many ways including a fourth term on council, passed away at the Nipissing Serenity Hospice Dec. 24 in his 70th year following a lengthy battle with cancer.
See: Terminally ill deputy mayor's wish granted
See: East Ferris deputy mayor passes
But a split vote at Tuesday’s council meeting about how to fill the vacant seat, despite unanimous commitment to Voyer before his passing on which option to use, deferred the issue to the Jan. 26 council meeting.
As required, Clerk Monica Hawkins provided a detailed report on the various options under the Municipal Act for filling vacant council seats, which needs to be done within 60 days of the declaration.
She said a byelection would take several months and cost $14,000, while also noting they are already past the half-way mark for the term. The second option, which involves seeking interested candidates for a council appointment, would also take considerable time, she said. The third option, which Voyer preferred and council members supported in November, would see the first runner up in the 2018 election appointed. She noted that there was only 40 votes separating the runner-up (former four-term council member Rick Champagne), and the last candidate elected, Coun. Erika Lougheed.
When Mayor Pauline Rochefort went around the table seeking comment, councillors Terry Kelly and Trahan said they wanted more time to consider the issue before taking that step.
Mayor Rochefort and Coun. Lougheed, meanwhile, were ready to adopt the third option with Rochefort appearing perplexed by the reticence.
When she asked why, Kelly said he merely wanted some time to think about it and noted this is the first time they’ve had to do this.
Coun. Trahan, reached by telephone Thursday morning, said it’s not about going against their commitment to their former fellow councillor.
He said it’s more about taking a bit more time to take care of some “housekeeping items … there’s no need to rush.”
Also needing to be filled are the seats Voyer filled on various committees, including the planning advisory board, public works and fire department, Coun. Trahan noted.
Champagne, who is already on the East Ferris centennial celebration committee, said he understands putting the decision off a couple weeks makes sense and he'll accept the appointment if asked.
"I would be proud to honour Mike's wishes," he said when reached by telephone Thursday afternoon. He also noted that he believes a council should offer a vacant seat to the next candidate in line because it is the proper democratic way. It will also allow him to fulfil his commitment to serve the community, which was demonstrated by running for elected office in 2018, he said.
Dave Dale is a Local Journalism Reporter with BayToday.ca. LJI is funded by the Government of Canada.
