Central Saanich council and staff have started the wheels in motion for the district’s upcoming by-election to replace former councillors Terry Siklenka and Adam Olsen.
During their meeting on Monday night, council and staff discussed a possible date for the by-election of Saturday, April 13. Advance voting dates were speculated as April 3 and 10 with two special voting days to be chosen at a later date by an appointed Chief Electoral Officer. Ultimately, all dates would have to be approved by the CEO once the position is filled, said Mayor Alastair Bryson.
Staff has recommended the appointment of Gary Nason who is a former Chief Administrative Officer for Central Saanich who retired this past July after nineteen years at his post.
“Mr. Nason has significant election experience along with the famililarity of the municipal operation and the community,” said a memorandum issued to Mayor and Council from staff.
According to the same memorandum, staff felt it necessary to hire an external candidate for the position because of staff capacity and the short time frame in which they must conduct the by-election. The estimated cost to hire Nason is $6,500.