By Rosalind Russell – Elliot Lake council has decided to fill the mayor vacancy by selecting a replacement among themselves.
The vacancy was declared last month following former mayor Chris Patrie being removed from office following a ruling by the court in connection to the findings that he had breached the Municipal Act.
Andrew Wannan filled the position of acting mayor since April until Patrie’s court appeals were dealt with.
Last night, council decided to appoint a new mayor instead of holding a by-election in June, which was estimated to cost $60,000.
Councillors were united in their views that spending money on a by-election was not the way to go, that they all have been working well together and they want to continue the forward momentum heading into 2024.
Councillors unanimously decided to fill the vacancy from within their ranks, and as required under the Municipal Act, will decide who the successor will be at their February 12th meeting.
Photo: Elliot Lake council will fill the mayor’s vacancy from their own ranks. Photo – Zoom- Rosalind Russell