The Town of Essex has appointed a Deputy Mayor from within its own council.
During a special meeting on Monday, Ward 3 Councillor Steve Bjorkman was appointed by a 5-2 vote to serve as Deputy Mayor for the remainder of the current term.
Bjorkman takes over the seat previously held by Richard Meloche, who was elected to serve as Mayor by the council on January 24, after former Mayor Larry Snively resigned.
"Partnership between the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, CAO and Administration is key when working to secure investment, to bring in development, and to build faith and trust with our residents," Bjorkman said Monday in a speech on why he believed he would be a good fit for the role. "I believe I have shown my ability to bring people together, to work with those with opposing viewpoints and to create consensus, and to continue working for the betterment of our community."
Also nominated for the position, was Ward 4 Councillor Sherry Bondy and Ward 1 Councillor Morley Bowman, who declined the role.
Bondy told councillors she would be honoured to take on the role and expressed her intentions to move up to the Mayor's seat, come the October election.
Ward 3, which has dual representation with Councillor Chris Vander Doelen, has been officially declared vacant by council. A decision on how to the remaining seat will be filled will be discussed during a special meeting on February 7.
