There is an empty chair at Coquitlam City Council meetings these days, and there has been a lot of debate on what to do about it.
In November, Coquitlam Councillor Fin Donnelly swam up the river to Ottawa to become the new MP for New Westminster-Coquitlam. Since the last municipal election was in November 2008, it really isn’t feasible to leave Fin’s old seat open until the next municipal election in November of 2011. Now there are an even 8 people on council including Mayor Richard Stewart, and without anyone to break the tie in close votes, getting city business done becomes a bit of a pain.
That being said, the City is not exactly keen on spending the estimated $150,000-$200,000 it would take to run a by-election for the extra seat. Voter turnout for civic elections in BC is anemic at best, and with only a single seat on council on the ballot, if 5% of eligible voters turned up it would be a victory. In 2008 there were 78,755 eligible voters. 21.5% of the electorate showed up. So with roughly the same eligible voters and a 5% turnout, spending roughly $40 per vote might not be the best of plans.
The City went to the Province and asked if there were any better alternatives. Some of the options being considered are…
The Province has now told Coquitlam Council that there may be some options in the legislation beyond forking over for a by-election. This will be discussed at the Monday, March 15th Coquitlam Council meeting before they make a final decision on what to do.
If they do go ahead, a date of April 24th has been floated.
What do you think? Should the city hold a by-election, leave the seat empty, or hold a Survivor-style tribal council? Let us know in the comments.
