Common Council will have a vacancy around the horseshoe until next May following a vote at Monday night’s meeting.
The hole is left by the absence of Gerry Lowe who has been elected as the MLA for Saint John Harbour.
Councillor Donna Reardon thinks a December 3rd by-election is too soon for candidates to prepare.
“You need time to get your paperwork organized, to get some signs made. For me, I’d be willing to put it off until the spring to give everyone an opportunity who is potentially thinking about it.” Reardon said.
Deputy Mayor Shirley McAlary noted a by-election in December isn’t the best time with Christmas and budget time.
Councillor Gary Sullivan wanted to see the by-election held this year noting the term is quite short if the position isn’t filled until next spring.
“Someone would be elected to council for less than a year and miss this budget cycle. In my opinion, it’s late in the process but, I think the former Mayor came on at this time when Councillor Carl Killen was elected to the provincial legislature.” Sullivan said.
