MATHESON - Another councillor has tendered their resignation.
Black River-Matheson Ward 2 Coun. Keith Neal is stepping away from the council table. His resignation is on the agenda for the Feb. 27 council meeting.
"Thank you for allowing me to participate alongside you all. I am retiring this year and moving, and feel best to have someone new come in and have time to get up to speed before the fall," wrote Neal in his resignation letter.
He is the second councillor to resign this term.
Last year, Kim Druer stepped down from her role as councillor, saying she didn't like the way things were going in the township and that council was too divided.
SEE: 'We were way too divided': Former councillor shares why she resigned
Druer was replaced by Steven Campsall.
Township staff is suggesting that council use an application process to fill the new vacancy. It's the same process used for last year's vacancy.
When there is a councillor vacancy, the Municipal Act allows for three ways to fill the spot. Someone can be appointed by going to the next candidate who ran for the position in the previous election or hold an open call for people to submit their name. A byelection could also be called.
In the 2022 municipal election in Matheson, Ward 3 was the only area that had a race — the other roles were acclaimed, which is why staff is suggesting the application process.
