MANITOUWADGE — The township of Manitouwadge has officially begun seeking applications to fill its vacant council seat.
The vacancy came after former councillor Mike Scapinello had submitted his resignation after applying for and accepting a mechanic job for the township.
Scapinello said that he agreed with Mayor Jim Moffat’s description of the departure from council as bittersweet and that he really enjoyed his time on council.
“It's something I would have continued to do for as long as I would have been re-elected into the position,” he said.
“Unfortunately, it’s just the way life goes, it was a conflict of interest, I had taken a new position for employment with the township for a mechanic position and by doing that it was, it was one of those things where I had to give up council.
Council decided to fill the vacancy by appointment through an application process.
Qualified candidates must be 18 years of age or older, a Canadian citizen, a resident of Manitouwadge, or an owner or tenant of land in the township or the spouse of such an owner or tenant, and not prohibited from voting under any other Act or disqualified from holding municipal office.
Scapinello said there are many great people in the community and he’s sure that somebody will be able to step in and do a great job.
“Just take your time and you know, take the time to understand the legislation and policies and procedures and don't be in a hurry,” he said. “Things take time.”
Anyone who qualifies and is interested in being appointed must complete a council vacancy application form and a declaration of qualification through the clerk’s office by June 29 at 2 p.m.
Certified registered candidates will be afforded the opportunity to address council and will be asked questions by Council in an open public meeting to be held on July 5 at 6 p.m. in council chambers at town hall.
Scapinello thanked those who elected and reelected him and that he hopes he didn’t disappoint them too much with the change.
“I wish them all the best of luck and I hope that, you know, moving forward with the existing Council and the newly appointed member of Council that we continue to make our community great and work together.”
For more information about the call for applications, visit the township’s website.
