Mayor Bill Mauro will be resigning before the end of his term.
In a document provided to our newsroom, Mauro states that his last day of work would be Oct. 3. This means he will be missing the final meeting of council on Nov. 14th.
Acadia News reached out to Mauro for comment;
We’re now in a lame duck period. The issues that council can make of any consequence are severely and significantly restricted… There really isn’t a lot that occur. I’ve been working with the Clerks office so the transition is smooth, there will be no issues there for Council or the Corporation and only one decision to make which is minor in nature.
I just thought it was as good a time as any.
When asked what his next steps are Mauro stated that he would not be discussing it at this time.
Mauro did go on to thank the candidates in the coming election;
Thank you to people who continue to put their names forward (in the coming municipal election). I think that a lot of people are resisting becoming engaged in political work, it’s a more difficult landscape… how things have shifted with social media, and might not want to be bothered with that. So you just have to thank those people who still put their names forward.
An email from the City also reads from Mauro;
I will be moving on to a new opportunity in the near future and it is my understanding the Clerk will bring information to Council on the options available with respect to the vacancy of the position of Mayor as required under the Act. There will only be one meeting left on November 14th , and given that Council is “Lame Duck” at this point, and unable to make any decisions of consequence, I thought October 3rd was an appropriate end date
Where does this leave City Council?
Council is already a lame duck with too many incumbents not seeking re-election. It’s required that Mayor’s seat be announced as officially vacant and with the city making the necessary steps for the time in-between his absence and the new council being sworn in on Nov. 15.
During the time in-between, the Acting Mayor for Thunder Bay will take over any duties as required.