In Their Words: Brighton council discusses filling a vacant seat and process underway

The decision regarding the process to replace Councillor Byron Faretis was made after a lengthy discussion at the meeting on Dec. 16. Faretis, a first-term councillor, died after a short battle with cancer on Nov. 19. A staff report outlining the various options for filling the vacancy was presented to the council. The council has 60 days to fill the seat. It declared the vacancy on Dec. 17. The report outlined two options: a by-election or an appointment process. There were three variations in the appointment process. The first would be an appointment of a candidate from the 2022 municipal election. The second would be an appointment by a call for applications. The third would be a direct appointment by council. Councillor Jeff Wheeldon motioned to discuss an appointment by call for applications. You will hear councillors express their views on the process, how it was refined, and the justification for the final decision on how to go forward. The call for applications is underway. In Their Words is a feature that allows people to listen to what is going on at the various councils within Northumberland. No spin. No opinions. No one is telling you what to think. Just what was said. It is a chance you might not have otherwise to hear directly from your elected representatives. I hope you find it useful and informative.