GORE BAY—Citing personal reasons, Gore Bay councillor Paulie Nodecker has resigned her seat on town council.
Ms. Nodecker cited personal reasons as the major reason she has resigned from council. “I have enjoyed being on council,” she told The Expositor. “I did enjoy it but with the recent changes in my life, my primary focus is on my family, especially being a single parent and widow.”
“I will miss council but have to focus on myself and my kids and being home and available,” said Ms. Nodecker. “My decision has nothing to do with council itself.”
Ms. Nodecker, who was serving her second term on Gore Bay council said, “I will miss being on council but I will continue my work in the community as a volunteer. For example, I would like to continue to be the lead on the haunted trails event (for Halloween). The event was a success last year and that momentum has started, and I would like to see it continue to grow.”
Gore Bay council held a special meeting on Wednesday, August 23. Mayor Ron Lane told council, “an email had been sent to Stasia (Carr) (clerk) and I on Monday from Paulie (Nodecker), indicating that for personal reasons and circumstances that we can all understand, she is resigning from council.”
With a seat needed to be filled on council, this leaves council with a decision to either hold an election or fill the vacant councillor seat by appointment, said Mayor Lane. He pointed out council had an election less than one year ago.
Councillor Dan Osborne asked how many candidates had put their names forward in last fall’s election.
“Seven,” said Councillor Aaron Wright who pointed out Leeanne Woestenenk had resigned as a councillor and with this council had appointed Ken Blodgett to serve in her place on council.
Council was informed that town council has 60 days of the date a council seat is vacant before it has to schedule a byelection date or appoint someone to council.
With the expense of holding a byelection, Councillor Wright voiced his concerns with holding an election to fill the vacant seat on council.
It was further pointed out by Mayor Lane in the past the town has usually filled vacant council seats by appointment.
Councillor Osborne said he would be in favour of passing a motion to advertise for local residents who would be interested in putting their names forward for consideration of the vacant council seat.
Council accepted Ms. Nodecker’s resignation from council with regret and declared her position on council vacant.
