The departure of Mark Goetz from Wellington North council was a bit of a surprise.
Although the election was just a few short months ago, his resignation effective June 30, was the right thing to do. Goetz is a new co-owner of the Holstein Feed Mill.
Voters are generally lucky to have a business person on council. They bring with them a different mind-set and a strong understanding of math and costs. Depending on the business cycle however, time spent on council can be a real hazard to a private business.
Being on council for most people is a large time commitment. We tend to think most people who run for council are keenly interested and willing to put in the time to do a good job. Goetz would fall into that category and clearly he must have felt he couldn’t give the council job the time it deserved.
There have been examples of those who tried to do it all and have it all. One example close to home resulted in an attendance record that was abysmal, and just enough meetings were attended to keep the pay cheque coming. It was sickening to most council watchers.
On that basis we think Goetz was selfless in his choice to resign even though it does open up a small challenge for Wellington North council.
Under the Municipal Act council can appoint a replacement for a seat declared vacant or call for a new election.
With the majority of a four-year term left to serve, the idea of a formal election isn’t unreasonable, albeit a more costly way to fill the seat. In a political sense it would leave the decision of who should serve as Ward 3 councillor in the hands of voters.
Costs and inconvenience have to be considered. This has caused many councils over the years to fill a vacant seat by appointment. The downside to this format is determining a methodology that will stand the scrutiny of ward residents and not be viewed as a buddy system where friends get appointed.
Numerous times we have seen a favourable gaze granted the runner-up for these appointments. Runner-ups have demonstrated an interest to seek a nomination for office and they often have invested in a campaign, showing their willingness to serve.
For Wellington North council, choosing the runner up would prove an awkward exercise since Jens Dam has had legal actions and political fights with council over the years.
Once a report comes forward, council will have choices to make. In the meantime, we encourage voters to speak with Mayor Andy Lennox and councillors to let their preferred means of replacement be known.
