Residents in the Town of Kensington will be going to the polls sooner than expected.
Mayor Rowan Caseley announced the resignation of Coun. Adrien Bernard during the regular monthly meeting of town council on Monday night.
Bernard, who recently opened a second business and is a mother of two young boys actively involved in sports, cited work and family commitments for her decision.
“I found I was unable to make the extra training and special events as there was often a conflict with something else on my schedule,” said Bernard, who was elected in November 2018 and was just over two years into her four-year term. “The bottom line, I felt the people who elected me deserve a councillor who can give 100 per cent, and I don’t feel I can do that anymore.”
Caseley explained the municipal government act states that council has six months to declare a byelection to fill a vacancy. That means this byelection can be held no later than July 5, 2021.
Caseley said he did not feel there is “any real panic” to fill the position. Council was in agreement and unanimously agreed to set a date at April’s monthly meeting for a byelection in May or June.
“If we start looking at it in April, May, then we will be past the winter months, hopefully, and hopefully, we will be past the major portion of COVID,” said Caseley. “Hopefully, things will open up a little more.
“Depending on how things are, it will have a bearing on whether we hold the balloting (at town hall), or we may have to rent space somewhere else to make sure we have enough distance.”
Many highlights
Bernard said she enjoyed her two-plus years on town council. She added there were many highlights and she learned a great deal about municipal government.
A first-time councillor, Bernard said she received strong support from Caseley, chief administrative officer Geoff Baker, fellow council members and town staff.
Bernard said she is proud of her work on council and took pride in being approachable and helping members of the public with town issues.
“I was diligent to ask questions and do my own research before voting on anything we received in council and I was proud to place my vote with what I thought was right and not with majority,” said Bernard.
Caseley recognized Bernard’s contributions and her desire to make the community a better place to live.
“We are thankful for all she has accomplished and wish Miss Bernard all the best and thank her for all service,” Caseley told council.
“May her business continue to grow, and she finds the time to meet the needs of her young family.”
Twitter.com/JpsportsJason
