Terry Siklenka decided that he was not able to fulfil his role as a councillor in the District of Central Saanich and has resigned.
It was the right thing for him to do, considering that Siklenka himself — or at least someone posting on social media in his name — had little clue about when he might be returning to Central Saanich from Grand Cayman.
To date, Siklenka has not communicated directly with the News Review, despite our requests. He — or someone using a Facebook account in his name — has only seen fit to post comments on a Brentwood Bay Facebook page. Other than that, he has sent emails to the district regarding his absence, a request for leave and now his resignation from council.
It occurred after our deadline for the Wednesday edition, but we are able to update the story quickly on our website.
At face value, it appears even Siklenka didn’t know when he would be back in the country, or when he’d be able to resume his duties. If the posts are to be believed, it appears he’s planning a long-term stay in the Caribbean.
No matter what the reason is for his departure, vacating his chair at the table was necessary. It’s a disappointment, certainly, for those who voted for him, but hopefully he has made the right decision for him and his family.
Now begins the by-election process to replace him for the next two years of this council’s term of office.
Already people are lining up for their shot at it (as mentioned by a writer to the News Review this week). We’ll wait until candidates officially announce their intent to run, but it should be interesting to see who pops up on the ballot.
In the meantime, council is sure to be scratching their heads over why they granted Siklenka leave with so little information on the wherefores and whys. Perhaps with the information at the time, they felt it important to offer him the benefit of the doubt — and the benefit of full pay and benefits.
It’s certainly a policy that they are sure to review in the fallout of this fiasco. Councillors, then, must ensure they’re committed to the job for the length of their term.