Marmora and Lake Council is planning to fill a vacant seat by appointment only a few months before the 2026 municipal election.
The group made that decision at this week’s meeting after Coun. Jane Lakatos abruptly resigned at a meeting earlier this month.
Council accepted the staff recommendation to appoint a candidate from the 2022 municipal election to the seat.
The candidates include; Alex Angus (next highest vote-getter), Jason Carman, Sue Connelly, Bernie Donaldson and Launy Schwartz.
Lakatos had resigned back on June 2 after stating she was unable in good conscience to continue in a role where she witnessed due process set aside and the integrity of local government being undermined.
“I have watched the rules mean nothing here. The right of a Councilor to debate – a fundamental protection under this municipality’s Procedural Bylaws – was denied,” she said in a social media statement following her resignation.
“Three separate occasions arose to right that wrong. Each time, council did not.”
“This is not about any single vote or motion. Good governance is about an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way, every time, for everyone.”
Marmora and Lake Mayor Jan O’Neill thanked Lakatos for her work on council at this week’s meeting and stated the group respects her decision.
However, she said council rejects any suggestion that it collectively or individually failed to conduct its business properly.
“Council stands fully behind the integrity of its decision-making processes and the professionalism, dedication and expertise of municipal staff.”
No candidates have stepped forward for this fall’s municipal election as of yet in Marmora and Lake.
