Port Clements to elect new mayor in March 25 by-election

Port Clements residents will soon vote for a new mayor.

Port Clements residents will soon vote for a new mayor.

Voters will choose either Chris Bellamy or Urs Thomas for mayor during a midterm by-election on March 25. An advance vote will be held March 15.

Port Clements also has two open seats on council, but only two candidates applied: Brigid Cumming and Elizabeth Stewart. Both will join current village councillors Doug Daugert and Charleen O’Brien-Anderson by acclamation.

Earlier this winter, former Mayor Ian Gould resigned from council, citing frustration with its slow pace.

Because the mayor’s resignation triggered a by-election, councillors Christine Cunningham and Matthew Gaspar also stepped down, noting that their work obligations left too little time for council business.

This council term is the first during which elected officials in Port Clements and other B.C. municipalities have had to commit to four years rather than three.

Once a new mayor is elected and the new councillors take their seats, the new Port Clements council is expected to serve until October 2018.

 

Haida Gwaii Observer