I can understand why there are byelections at the federal and provincial level as parties see it as an opportunity to gain supporters. One of the aspects I like at the municipal level is there are no parties. We vote for the individuals.
In Saanich we vote for as many as eight councillors. Sadly we need to fill a councillor’s seat. The current law to fill a councillor’s seat requires the municipality of Saanich to advertise in papers the date and details for a byelection and send out notices to all the residents in Saanich, rent sites, print ballots and man the voting venues. And the candidates have printing and sign expenses.
It seems to me that a simpler and more economical answer would be to ask the person with the ninth most votes in the last election if they want the position for the duration of the term. If they decline, proceed to the person with the 10th most votes, and so forth. If you do not get someone willing and able to fill in, then you would call a byelection.
My guess is most municipalities have more candidates running for office than the number of candidates needed. I suggest that the provincial government change its law to fill vacancies that occur on councils to this quicker and money-saving method. May I ask, if you agree, to contact your MLA.
Larry Layne
Saanich