On Tuesday, Norfolk Council will consider a 41-page staff report on how to fill the Ward 2 Council vacancy. https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/CIC-Agenda-Feb-9.pdf
We live in a democracy so a by-election is clearly the way to go.
Some will take issue with the financial cost of such a by-election. Not me. The expenses are pegged at a reasonable $22,000-$33,000.
However, as with everything else these days, the pandemic puts up significant barriers to a successful by-election.
Staff identify these obstacles and list special procedures that could address legitimate health and safety concerns. Some examples:
*The nomination process set out in provincial legislation can’t be amended. That means that at least 25 people must sign a candidate’s nomination papers. Since electronic signatures are not allowed a separate form for each signature is needed to reduce touch points of the mandatory forms.
*Door to door canvassing is problematic. Staff recommend that candidates undergo a daily health self assessment; door campaigning should take place “through the door” whenever possible and hand sanitizer should be used by all involved in campaigning.
These are all good ideas but impractical and not easily enforceable.
Other Concerns with a By-Election
There are issues with voting methods as well ; “complexity” concerns with internet voting, for example. And internet access is problematic for many in Ward Two.
Staff prefer a mail-in ballot, although the accuracy of the voter’s list is a big problem which can’t be resolved until 2024.
One concern not mentioned is that the successful candidate won’t be sworn in and able to begin serving Ward 2 and Norfolk constituents until June 8th. As we know it takes quite a while to learn the ropes in any new job. Municipal government presents a big learning curve for new members. By the time the new councillor is up to speed the October 2022 municipal elections will be here.
Given all the above the appointment process might be a better approach. Here is a thought:
A Caretaker
In 2006, I was selected over 20 other applicants through a transparent community process as Ward 5 Councillor for Burlington/Halton. That process involved a public meeting and an in-camera interview (allowed under the Municipal Act) with Council and senior staff.
What did I offer? For six years I’d served most of that ward as Councillor before deciding to return to my old field of work. Voters had not tossed me out and that, I’m sure, was a consideration.
I had been off council for more than eight years but still had an understanding of how local government generally and local governments specifically worked. What was most important though was, in combination with my experience, I made a commitment that I would not run in the upcoming municipal election. As Norfolk staff correctly note in their report there is a huge advantage for incumbents in municipal elections. It can be argued that those who have that advantage by being elected by voters deserve it. But one who has not faced the electors certainly doesn’t.
I spent nine productive months as a caretaker councillor. I worked with constituents, brought forward some new initiatives that had been put to one side, plugged away on Official Plan updates that I had background on from my earlier term on council and other matters. I was also quite involved in promoting civic participation through organizing and chairing an all candidates meeting and making myself available to discuss issues with those candidates.
Norfolk County
An appointment process with interviews in public and applicants’ intentions for the next election being factored in to the decision could be the way to go for Norfolk.
As far as I’m aware, candidates in an appointment process can’t be required to commit to not contesting the next election. In fact, I recall some who made such a promise then broke it.
My view is that Council can ask for the commitment and if it is broken then the voters can decide in 2022.
That would be the democratic thing to do.
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