Belli's seat to be filled by July 8

A staff report on filling the vacancy recommends that whomever is chosen agree not to run in the October vote. Depending on which option they choose, councillors can either pick someone who ran and lost in Ward 8 in 2010, or they can ask qualified candidates to apply. The decision would be made by the nominating committee in an open and publicly recorded vote.

“Other municipalities, when filling a vacancy during the period of a municipal election, have also stipulated that in making the appointment, the council does not wish to be perceived of as providing any advantage to candidates in that election,” the report says.

“Further in selecting a candidate to fill the vacancy in Ward 8, the nominating committee may wish to consider each candidate's qualifications and look for both knowledge of municipalities and municipal operations, as well as related governance experience, either by way of service on a prior council, or on a public or private sector board.”

Before voting, the report recommends allowing each candidate to make a five-minute presentation on why they should be selected for the job. The deadline for applications would be June 13, and a decision would be made at a meeting June 24 or June 25. The decision would be ratified July 8.

Council is currently down two members, with Ward 1 Coun. Joe Cimino on an unpaid leave of absence as he campaigns to become Sudbury MPP for the New Democrats.