Nipawin, SK February 28, 2019 – The call for nominations for the by-election to fill one seat on the town of Nipawin council closed at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, February 27th, 2019. Three potential candidates had submitted nomination papers, however one was withdrawn by the nominee shortly before the close of nominations.
The remaining two candidates, Gene Rusk and Laurie Kratochvil, have submitted their nomination papers for election as Councillor during the upcoming April 3rd by-election. The Town of Nipawin will release a formal Notice of Poll shortly informing electors of the times, dates and locations of the various voting opportunities.
The third candidate, Stacy Vik withdrew his nomination shortly before the deadline. While Mr. Vik was qualified to run for council under the Local Government Election Act, he is an active firefighter for the Town of Nipawin Fire Department and FD policy prevents council members from serving on the fire department, as detailed below in an the press release issued by Barry Elliot, in his appointment as Returning Officer for the April 3rd, 2019 Town of Nipawin by-election;
“A third candidate, Stacey Vik, did submit his nomination papers as required, however, in accordance with section 76 of the Local Government Election Act, 2015, he has since withdrawn his nomination. Mr. Vik met with the Returning Officer shortly before the close of nominations to confirm his eligibility to run for elected office. The Returning Officer confirmed that, under the applicable provisions of the Local Government Election Act, 2015, Mr. Vik was eligible to run. However, the Returning Officer overlooked informing Mr. Vik, who is a long standing and valued member of our local Fire Department, that the Town of Nipawin Fire Department Policy currently prohibits Council members from serving on the Fire Department. Mr. Vik, who has clearly stated his desire to remain as an active Firefighter, decided instead to withdraw from the by-election at this time.
As Returning Officer, I take full responsibility, and extend my sincere apologies to Mr. Vik, for my oversight during our discussion. I also extend my apologies to Town Council and the electors of the Town of Nipawin.”
Barry Elliott (Returning Officer)Excerpt: Media release – Town of Nipawin Returning Officer Barry Elliot
For further information, contact details are available on the Town of Nipawin website
