Mayor Brown focused on Merritt’s recovery following Bhangu’s resignation

On Monday, Mike Bhangu resigned his position on Merritt City Council. In a letter sent to City Officials, Bhangu cited just one reason for his departure.

“I resign my position, effective immediately, as I do not have the confidence in Mayor Linda Brown’s ability to lead, or represent each council member fairly,” said Bhangu.

Mayor Linda Brown has responded saying her focus is on the recovery of Merritt, not the details of Bhangu’s statement.

“I understand he resigned, I have no idea what the reference is to leadership skills. It’s a pretty generic statement and it’s not the first and only generic statement he’s made. You’ll have to ask him what it means because I’m not sure exactly what it means,” said Brown.

Mayor Brown is hoping that a by-election will not have to be held, given the next election is 10-months away, and the City is fully focused on recovery from the floods.

“We are looking at moving towards a recovery from this worst disaster that Merritt has ever seen. The by-election would be a problem for us. I would not like to see a by-election,” said Brown. “We will have to hold it, if we’re forced to hold it. But given the fact that we are in the midst of the worst disaster ever, it would be quite a drain on resources to have to pull it together.”

Merritt would require a special exemption from the Ministry to not hold a by-election.

Mayor Brown did thank Bhangu for his service to the community over the past three years in office.

“I wish Mike all the best. We’re sorry he was unable to complete his year. Election service is an honour and one where we all strive to do what we believe is the right thing. We wish Mike all the best,” concluded Brown.

(From the Government of B.C.’s website)

Exceptions to Holding a By-election

A municipality or regional district may choose not to hold a by-election to fill a vacancy if the vacancy occurs after June 1 in the year of a general local election that will fill the vacant office.

Additionally, a municipal council may also decide that a by-election will not to be held if all the following circumstances apply:

• Vacancy occurs after January 1 in the year of a general local election that will fill the office
• Vacancy is not in an office elected on the basis of a neighbourhood constituency, and,
• Number of remaining council members is at least one greater than the quorum for the council, as set under section 129 (1) of the Community Charter.