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No byelection in Ward 6. Bid to fast-track Ozzie appointment fizzles

Later today, the city is expected to issue a notice inviting eligible citizens to apply for Ross Romano's vacated council seat
OzzieGrandinetti
Former Ward 6 councillor Ozzie Grandinetti, shown in 2014 with former North Bay mayor and Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli. David Helwig/SooToday

An attempt by some city councillors to immediately appoint a former Ward 6 councillor to replace Ross Romano was withdrawn last night after legal concerns were raised by City Clerk Malcolm White. 

Ward 1 Councillor Steve Butland and Ward 2's Susan Myers proposed that Ozzie Grandinetti be appointed to fill the seat vacated by Romano, who was elected earlier this month as Sault MPP.

Grandinetti served as Ward 6 councillor from 2006 to 2010.

He ran again in 2010 and 2014, losing both attempts to win one of the two Ward 6 seats.

In 2014, Grandinetti placed third, just 12 votes ahead of Wanda McQueen.

With only 15 months remaining before the 2018 municipal elections, there was little support last night for holding a costly byelection to replace Romano.

Ward 4 councillor Lou Turco preferred that option saying: "I think we have to leave it up to the people."

But his fellow councillors voted overwhelmingly to instead appoint the new Ward 6 councillor.

Butland then proposed immediate appointment of Grandinetti, indicating that the former councillor was willing to serve again.

The 12-vote difference between Grandinetti and McQueen in 2014 is irrelevant, Butland argued.

Councillor Myers also wanted to fast-track Grandinetti's appointment so he could be sworn in at City Council's next meeting on June 26.

"I'm quite befuddled as to why we would invite 10, 15, 20 whatever number may come forward candidates, and then what criteria we might use beyond a popularity contest," Myers said.

"To me, it feels very rash to do that tonight," Mayor Provenzano countered.

"I have no issue with Ozzie Grandinetti. I think he's a good man. I have a good relationship with Ozzie and if Ozzie was ultimately the person that was sitting here I'd be happy to have him and happy to work with him," the mayor said.

Unlike Butland, Provenzano was concerned about the narrowness of Grandinetti's third-place finish in 2014 over fourth-place McQueen.

"I think we should advertise the position. I think we should invite people from our community to apply and I think we should have a thorough discussion about it," the mayor said.

City Clerk White then expressed legal concerns.

"I'm very uncomfortable proceeding with an appointment tonight," White told councillors.

"I do not have, specifically in writing to me, an attestation by Mr. Grandinetti that he is at this time eligible to hold office. I have no reason to doubt that he is eligible to hold office, but I don't have a declaration from him."

"I also don't have something officially from him, in writing to the city clerk, that he will accept the office. I have a copy of a press release that was e-mailed to me. But I have concerns with the sufficiency of that, if challenged," the city clerk said.

Councillor Butland then withdrew his fast-tracking resolution.

As a result, the City of Sault Ste. Marie is expected to issue a notice later today inviting eligible citizens to apply for the vacant Ward 6 council seat.

The notice will direct prospective councillors to forms to be filled out on the city website, with an expected deadline of next Monday.

That should allow City Council to appoint a new Ward 6 councillor at its June 26 meeting.

To qualify for consideration, candidates need not reside in Ward 6.

They must, however, be a Canadian citizen aged 18 or older on the day they file their nominations, and must either reside or hold property in the city.

The following individuals are not eligible:

  • any person who is not eligible to vote in the municipality
  • an employee of a municipality who has not taken an unpaid leave of absence and resigned
  • a judge of any court
  • an MP, an MPP or a senator
  • an inmate serving a sentence in a penal or correctional institution

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David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
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