Shortly after Dysart et al council appointed Pat Casey deputy mayor until October’s municipal election, mayor Walt McKechnie criticized the mandated provincial process used to direct the township’s next steps following the death of previous council figurehead, Murray Fearrey.
Addressing council Tuesday (July 28), McKechnie said it had been a difficult few weeks for elected officials and municipal staff still reeling from Fearrey’s sudden death in May.
“I understand there’s a Municipal Act, that this process here is supposed to be fair… but we’re all still in shock and mourning of our dear friend,” McKechnie said. “To put this on council’s plate, to me, is unfair,” he added, referencing the choice members had to make this week between Casey and Ward 2 coun. Nancy Wood-Roberts, who also put her name forward.
McKechnie said he wasn’t a fan of the prolonged process, either. Since Fearrey’s death on May 28, council has convened four times, with each meeting bringing a different step in the process.
On June 16, the mayor’s seat was declared vacant. At council’s June 23 meeting, CAO Tamara Wilbee provided a brief update to say nominations were open. McKechnie was appointed at a July 9 special meeting, with the deputy mayor seat officially vacated. It was finally filled at this week’s meeting.
CAO Tamara Wilbee told council there are strict guidelines municipalities must follow when filling a seat vacated early in a term. Officials must first determine whether a seat is going to be filled through by-election or appointment, a process itself guided by timelines, and advertise publicly before proceeding.
Because of the length of time it’s taken to get to this point, Wilbee said there’s no need to fill the seventh seat on council. The Municipal Act states any vacancy declared within 90 days of election day does not need to be filled. Tuesday was exactly 90 days until election day Oct. 26.
After Casey and Wood-Roberts each staked a claim for the temporary deputy mayor position, McKechnie said he would have been more comfortable choosing names from a hat than registering a vote.
“All the councillors here have so much respect for both of you. We’ve been together now for four years. I know there’s not going to be any animosity, we all understand what we’re doing here representing the municipality of Dysart… but, to me, this whole thing could have been done differently,” McKechnie said.
Casey wins vote 4-2
With support from councillors Tammy Donaldson, Barry Boice and Carm Sawyer, Casey had a majority support. McKechnie backed Wood-Roberts.
After spending the past two County council meetings representing Dysart, Casey felt he was the right person to continue. He will contribute to upper-tier meetings Aug. 12, Sept. 9 and 23, and Oct. 14.
“I’m very passionate about everything that goes on here… deputy mayor is another stepping stone forward for me,” Casey said.
“I’m well-grounded, have a good practical knowledge of pretty much everything that goes on here, in business and in the public… I know I’ll do a good job, as I always have.”
Wood-Roberts, who has already confirmed she isn’t seeking re-election in October’s vote, felt she was the more appropriate choice to see the current term through as deputy mayor given Casey’s intent to run for mayor.
In a message to her fellow councillors before the vote, Wood-Roberts said, “I’m sure everyone has Dysart’s best interest in mind, but I feel a unanimous vote to move coun. Casey into the role could potentially lead the public, misinform them, or potentially have sway on the upcoming election and that wouldn’t be fair to the other candidates.”
Thus far there are two other people in the race with Casey – entrepreneur Andrew Nowell and former Ontario land surveyor Greg Bishop. The nomination deadline for candidates considering a run is Aug. 21.
