THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay’s city council will discuss a recommendation on Tuesday to leave the mayor’s seat vacant for the few weeks remaining before the next mayor elected in the Oct. 24 election takes office.
Mayor Bill Mauro will vacate the position as of Oct. 4, after announcing in August he would step down before the end of the term to take on “a new opportunity.”
Council is not required to fill the vacancy under the Municipal Act, because it occurs within 90 days of the election.
Council has the option, however, to appoint a mayor should it choose to do so under a process set out in the Municipal Elections Act.
A by-election is not an available option under the Act due to the timeline of Mauro’s resignation, city clerk Krista Power reported.
In a report, city administration recommended leaving the position vacant, noting there is only one meeting scheduled in the period of the vacancy, on Nov. 14.
In Mauro’s absence, administration recommends using the existing Acting Mayor system.
Coun. Brian Hamilton is scheduled to serve as Acting Mayor in October, if required, while Coun. Albert Aiello would fill the role in November, until the new council is sworn in.
Council's decision on how to handle the vacancy will also be ratified on Tuesday, requiring a two-thirds vote to take effect.
