THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay’s city council will meet on Oct. 4 to discuss the way forward after the resignation of Mayor Bill Mauro, who is stepping away early to pursue an undisclosed opportunity in the private sector.
Council will have the option to appoint a replacement, but is expected to leave the position vacant for the brief period before the mayor elected in the Oct. 24 municipal election takes office.
Mauro announced his early departure in late August, after deciding not to run for a second term.
Under the Municipal Act, council would normally be bound to appoint a replacement or set a by-election within 60 days.
Since Mauro’s departure comes within 90 days of the Oct. 24 municipal election, however, council is not obligated to fill the position.
Mauro has speculated council is unlikely to appoint a new mayor given the short time frame between his resignation and the election.
Council will discuss the issue after receiving information from city clerk Krista Power at a special meeting on Oct. 4.
Any decision it takes will be set for a ratification vote that evening, which requires a two-thirds majority to pass.
