The mayor’s position is officially vacant in Russell Township.
Council met on April 15 and declared the position vacant effective April 19, the day the resignation of former Mayor Pierre Leroux took effect. Leroux announced his resignation on April 3 and has accepted the position of Chief Administrative Officer for The Nation Municipality.
Russell Township Clerk Joanne Camiré Laflamme explained that under the Municipal Act, council must fill the vacancy by appointing a new mayor or calling a by-election within 60 days of the position being declared vacant. If council chooses to hold a by-election, polling day must occur within 30 to 60 days of the decision to hold the by-election.
Councillor Jamie Laurin, who is serving as Acting Mayor, said council will decide how to fill the vacancy and select a new mayor at the April 29 council meeting.
During the public question period, a resident asked what if council prefers to appoint a new mayor or hold a by-election.
“For tonight, we’re only making this seat vacant,” Laurin said.
Councillor Lisa Deacon moved to declare the mayor’s position vacant. It was seconded by Councillor Mike Tarnowski and the motion was carried by council.
There was also an inquiry by a resident during the question period about the identifiable individual who was the subject of the closed session council was having after declaring the mayor’s position vacant.
“I want to assure all residents, staff and everybody else that the identifiable individual we are discussing is not the position of the mayor,” Laurin said.
He emphasized that anything to do with the mayor’s position would be addressed in a public session of council.
