With Joe Sponga's resignation, the decision on how to replace him rests with the rest of Council. It's a shame that the Ward 5 residents' right to have elected representation now lies with Council members, who represent other wards.
These council members must decide between appointing someone to replace Sponga or hold a by-election and let the residents chose their own elected representative. We are only 19 months into this term, so you might think that a by-election would be their preferred option.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news for all potential Ward 5 candidates, but there is no way in hell that we are going to see a by-election in Ward 5 this term.
Elections are very messy things and by-elections are far too tricky to predict the outcome. Council has very little to gain and everything to lose if they don't appoint a seat warmer "Yes" person to fill the vacancy.
1) Keep in mind, voter turnout during a regular municipal election is 35%. During a by-election where the stakes are so low, we'd be looking at a turnout between 15 and 20% of eligible voters. In a general election, it may take 1,000 votes to win. If this by-election takes place, and with multiple candidates sure to run, someone may win the seat with just 300-400 votes.
The sitting council members simply couldn't take the risk that someone gets elected and starts asking tough questions and demanding answers.
2) If there were to be a by-election, it would most certainly be a referendum on the Clock Tower development. Council is already committed to proceeding with this project. What would happen if the residents voted someone who was vehemently opposed? All the backroom (of Tim Hortons on Yonge St) wheeling and dealing that has taken place over the past 5 years would have to begin again in earnest.
In order to save Council's plans for the Clock Tower development, the sitting members of Council won't risk a by-election.
Here is my shortlist of possible "YES" people who could be appointed to replace Joe Sponga:
1) Jackie Playter - a long term ally of Tony Van Bynen and someone who has years of experience dealing with the Main Street BIA (even though she is on the 'outs' with the current BIA board). If Jackie doesn't want the job, her son Wes may get it by default.
2) Joan Stonehocker - volunteer with the library board and an advocate for bicycles and growing her own food. These are two issues that Council approves of.
3) Rob Clark - owner of RC Designs and a close ally of John Taylor. Taylor owes Clark a number of political favours and this appointment may be payback time.
4) Rob Buckley - owner of Buckley insurance and a close friend of Councillor Dave Kerwin.
5) Karen Dubeau - a former Library Board member and a strong advocate of Tony Van Bynen's Giga Bit corridor.
6) Sean Stephens - CEO of Treefrog and another supporter of Van Bynen's Giga Bit corridor.
Update (thanks to one of my readers for pointing out this obvious omission)
7) Victor Woodhouse - the former Town of Newmarket Councillor. Although there is no love lost between him and the currrent Ward 3 Councillor Jane Twinney, the fact that the Mayor and Deputy Mayor could always count on his council vote means he'll be under consideration.
If you can think of any other "YES" appointees that I may have missed, please use the comments section and let's get a discussion going.
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