City to take applications to fill vacancy in Ward 8

And after much discussion, they decided not to require anyone who applies to promise not to run in the next municipal election. A staff report outling options recommended barring candidates from running in the Oct. 27 municipal vote, arguing it would give them an unfair advantage over other candidates in the ward.

But Ward 11 Coun. Terry Kett said that made no sense. Why would they penalize someone who could be a good councillor simply because they stepped forward to serve now?

“It's unjust,” Kett said.

And Ward 10 Coun. Frances Caldarelli said it usually takes a few attempts before candidates manage to win a seat on council. So preventing them from running in October would be unfair.

In the crowd was Al Sizer, who finished a distant second in Ward 8 in 2010. He's interested in serving out the term, Sizer said, but he's glad potential candidates aren't banned from running in the next election.

“It would have been a significant factor,” said Sizer, on whether the ban would have prevented him from applying. “Not that I have made a decision to run.”

Qualified candidates have until June 13 at 2 p.m. to apply for the post. According to a release from the city, experience in municipal government will improve a candidate's chances, as will experience serving on a board in the private sector.

To be eligible, you must:

- Reside in Greater Sudbury, own land here or be the spouse of such owner or tenant;
- Be a Canadian citizen;
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Not be prohibited from voting under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 or otherwise by law; and
- Not be disqualified by the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 or any other Act from holding office.

Councillors plan on having someone in place by July 8. The current term formally ends Nov. 30.

Belli, a first term councillor for the New Sudbury ward, died suddenly in April, just a few months after he suffered a stroke.