At the Madawaska Valley Council in Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb.3rd 2026, Mayor David Shulist and Councillors Blank, Cybulski and Maika voted unanimously to appoint Linda Neuman (Plebon) to fill the vacancy created by the sudden passing of Councillor Peplinski. Above: Linda Neuman (Photo LinkedIn). This followed Council’s decision to appoint someone without either holding a by-election or advertising for applicants to be interviewed. No member of Council suggested any other name to be appointed, and Mayor Shulist noted that in April 2025 the late Mayor Mark Willmer (supported by Councillor Blank) had proposed Linda Neuman to fill the vacancy after former Councillor Joseph Olsheski resigned. At that time, The Current reported that Mayor Willmer described her as “somebody who has experience…. Someone articulate, rational, and calm in manner.” However, the vote for that vacancy was tied and Councillor Peplinski’s name was selected from a hat.
Following their unanimous (recorded) vote, Council instructed CAO Klatt to accomplish the next stage in the process as determined by the Municipal Act. This means that once she ensures that Neuman remains willing to serve and meets the Act’s requirements, she will call a meeting of Council to officially finalize the appointment and swear in Linda Neuman as the newest Councillor in Madawaska Valley.