On February 20th Councillor Joseph Olsheski tendered his resignation from Madawaska Valley Township Council effective March 15th. In October 2022 Olsheski became the youngest-serving councillor ever elected in Madawaska Valley. In his letter of resignation, he gave as his reasons the increased personal workload he has been subject to in his business following the death of his father, Mervin, last June. The business includes a number of interests in several European countries as well as Merol Constructors Ltd. in Barry’s Bay. Above: Joseph Olsheski campaigning in 2022. (Photo Gil Glofcheskie)
At its Council in Committee meeting on March 4th, members of Council considered a report from CAO Suzanne Klatt setting out the options for filling the vacant seat. They are:
- appoint a consenting person to that seat; or,
- hold a by-election to fill the vacancy.
In the absence of Olsheski who had recused himself from the discussion, CAO Klatt advised against holding a by-election, informing members of Council that the last election in MV cost the Township $36,000 and this did not seem justified as Council is roughly halfway through its current term. If Council chooses to appoint an eligible person to fill the vacancy, they have to do so within 60 days from the effective date of Olsheski’s resignation. The CAO’s report outlined the three methods of appointment open to Council under the Municipal Act:
- Appoint a candidate from the 2022 municipal election.
- Call for applications for appointment.
- Directly appoint a candidate without application process or reference to the last election.
Councillor David Shulist pointed out that just four members of Council remain to make this decision. He said the last Council vacancy occurred in August 2013 when he was mayor. After calling for applications, the process resulted in a tied vote by members of Council. Although it was not improper he said, Shulist told Council he remains uncomfortable with the concept of drawing a name out of a hat to break the impasse as they did 15 years ago.
Council declared Olsheski’s seat vacant as of March 15th, but agreed that they wanted more time to think before making a decision on the process, Mayor Willmer pointing out that they should be conscious of the 60-day limit that exists to fill the appointment.
The perfect choice of replacement councillor would be our now-retired former MPP, John Yakabuski,
if he’s willing to take the position. At least we could count on him to inject not only some common-sense
but a voice for the village of Barry’s Bay and its business community. We’ve got a “main street” which is slowly going out of business and we need someone in there to help reverse that plus boost the local forest industry and promote year-round tourism.