The Town of Essex went within its own council to find its next mayor.
During a special meeting Monday evening, council voted 6-1 to appoint Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche to serve out the term of the previous mayor Larry Snively, who resigned earlier this month after pleading guilty to violating Ontario election laws.
Meloche will serve as mayor until the upcoming municipal election in October. When asked at council if he was considering a full term, Meloche said he had not decided if he will go that route.
"I'm excited to have us move forward and eventually have this finished here, so we have a full council again," Meloche remarked after being administered the declaration for office by Town Clerk Robert Auger.
The lone opposing vote came from Councillor Sherry Bondy, who was the only other name placed in nomination to fill the seat. Bondy declined, saying she was setting her sights on winning the mayor's chair in the October election.
"I would like to thank my nominators, but I would like to graciously decline," said Bondy. "Well-played political theatre, but I will wait 273 days."
In a unanimous vote taken shortly after the meeting began, councillors agreed not to hold a by-election to fill the seat, citing the shortened period of time between any by-election and the October vote, which will allow residents to choose four-year terms for all members of council.
Communication was entered into the council record from former Councillor Ron Rogers, who finished a close second to Snively in the 2018 municipal election. Rogers had expressed interest in an appointment as mayor, but had indicated he would not run for a full four-year term this fall.
Councillors will decide during a special meeting on Monday, January 31 on how to fill the now-vacant deputy mayor's seat.
