Three candidates in North Glengarry election

Voters in North Glengarry Township should see at least three names on the ballot, when they head to the voting booth on Monday, January 16.

Deputy Mayor Chris McDonell and Alexandria ward councillor Jamie MacDonald have both filed their nomination papers at the township office.

A third candidate, Robert Proulx, has expressed his intention to run for the mayor's position but has yet to file his papers. Proulx ran against Grant Crack in the December 2010 election.

The decision to elect a mayor via by-election comes after a recent series of intense debates between representatives at the council table. Initially, Deputy Mayor Chris McDonell was nominated to replace outgoing mayor Grant Crack; however, that decision was reversed by a majority of council during a second vote on November 7.

Though rare, there is now the possibility of three by-elections in the township. For example, should McDonell become the next mayor in the by-election, the deputy mayor's seat would need to be filled. If that post goes to a by-election, and is filled by a member of council, then a third by-election could be held to replace that councillor.

It all depends on the wishes of individual council members, according to chief administrative officer Daniel Gagnon. "If they are any vacancies in the future, only council can make the call if they will be filled by appointment or a by-election," he said.

This vote is for the next three years, ending in December 2014. A person may be nominated by filing at the township office and paying the prescribed $200 fee. The nomination form must be filed in person or by an agent during regular business hours, before 2 p.m. on Friday, December 2.

The 45-day election campaign will then begin.