OH! OH! My mistake.

It seems the requirement for the Mayor to vote is part of the Town's Procedural Bylaw. It is not a requirement of the Municipal Act nor therefore an example of Queen's Park meddling minions..

Last week residents saw how the Mayor's vote turned a majority into a tie. Under all known Rules of Order, tried and true, the Presiding Officer's or Mayor's vote is required to be used to break a tie not to create a stalemate.

It is another example of a clause in our By-law which undermines rather than facilitates the democratic principle.

In Committee last night, still another gaffe. At 11:10 p.m. Councillor Bob Mc Roberts gave notice of a motion for reconsideration of the option to fill the seat vacated by Grace Marsh's resignation with a By-election. Bob was advised it was necessary by Clerk-Administrator Bob Panizza .

Chairman of the meeting, Councillor Evelina Mac Eachern promptly put the notice to a vote. It was defeated five to three.

This morning the mayor apparently informed the press the option of a by-election is now off the table

.Last Tuesday indication was given to the public, the question would come back to the table at the next Council Meeting. Also messages from the community would be placed on the agenda for consideration Support for a byelection have flowed steadily since the news of Grace Marsh's resignation. which came after months of frustration and a public scene of shrieking abuse by the Mayor.

Clearly there was never any intention to hear from the communiy..

.According to Rules of Order notice must be given of a forthcoming motion. The motion itself must be in writing and circulated before being presented at a Council Meeting. The motion is tabled, debated, the question is put. and the vote taken.. All under the eyes of the camera. In full view of the town's electorate Council decisions are not made in Committee.
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I am often accused of not having respect for the Mayor. It's only partly true

My respect for the office, the institution of council and the community we serve compels my civility.It is a practice.of half a lifetime.

Respect for intelligence ,competence and integrity must be earned. It doesn't come gift-wrapped.
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