In a unanimous vote, Puslinch councillors have appointed John Sepulis to replace councillor Wayne Stokley, who passed away on May 29.
As the time came to find a replacement, councillors chose the option of appointment rather than imposing hefty election costs for the position.
Seven area residents expressed interest, but Cameron Tuck and William Cloutis withdrew their names prior to council’s Aug. 10 vote. That left prospective candidates Kevin Johnson, Patricia Von Holstein-Rathlou, Paul Sadhra, John Sepulis and Antonio Duscio.
The certified nominees made presentations to council on why they should be appointed, followed by four questions from council.
CAO Karen Landry said because there were more than four candidates, the township used a multi-round voting process.
In the first round, the three councillors and Mayor Dennis Lever were entitled to up to three votes, with the following results:
– Duscio: 1;
– Johnson: 2;
– Sadhra: 2;
– Sepulis: 2; and
– Von Holstein-Rathlou: 2.
Duscio was eliminated and the four-way tie at two votes resulted in a draw to eliminate someone in order to reduce the next round to three candidates.
As Johnson’s name was read out, a collective gasp emerged from some audience members.
With Sadhra, Sepulis and Von Holstein-Rathlou as the remaining candidates, the next round of voting was decisive.
All four councillors voted for Sepulis to be appointed to council. Councillors later passed a bylaw appointing Sepulis.
A familiar face to councillors, Sepulis said he has a vested interest in the township.
“Our family moved here from Toronto 27 years ago to enjoy the virtues associated with a rural lifestyle,” he said. “We intend to stay as long as we are able to do so … it’s our home.”
Sepulis added he would like to see other families come to enjoy living in a vibrant Puslinch.
“Serving with council would allow me to give more back to the community,” he said, adding that in the next few months council will be focussed on the 2017 budget as well as major issues that will shape the township for years to come.
“I believe I have the appropriate experience, skill set, attitude and time to step in and contribute in a helpful and meaningful way.”
Until his retirement in 2012, Sepulis spent his career with the Toronto Transit Commission as a professional engineer.
During his last 14 years with that organization, Sepulis was general manager of engineer construction “which in today’s vernacular would be vice-president of the corporation.”
His branch was responsible for the studies, design, management, construction of the majority of capital works – from subway construction to one-dimensional paving.
“While the township budget may seem small compared to the TTC, nevertheless the fundamentals are the same,” he said.
“Staff are our most valuable asset, and I would strive to ensure they remain current in their expertise by taking courses and seminars.”
In addition, he said he would strive to be responsive to public concerns and comments in a timely manner.
Sepulis has served on the Puslinch Township planning advisory committee for two years – chairing the committee for the past 18 months.
“I am a known entity and you would not have to guess how I would fit in,” Sepulis said.
