Cornwallis Calls Byelection for Reeve Position Following Resignation

The Rural Municipality of Cornwallis has announced a byelection for the position of reeve following the resignation of former reeve Sam Hofer in April 2023. The byelection was necessitated after an investigation by the province’s ombudsman revealed that Hofer had violated the Municipal Act. While a specific date for the byelection has not yet been set, interim chief administrative officer Holly Krysko expressed hope that it will be held by the end of November.

During a special council meeting on Tuesday, the council approved the byelection and appointed John Armstrong as the senior election official. Krysko indicated that the timeline for the byelection will largely depend on Armstrong’s preparations. “Hopefully there’s a little bit of wiggle room around that time, possibly a little bit after that, but we do hope to have it done by the end of November,” she stated.

The nomination period for candidates will open 42 to 36 days prior to the election date, but Krysko emphasized that notice must be given in advance. This notice will be published through local newspapers or mailed to residents between seven and 21 days before nominations open.

Initially, the municipality intended to fill the vacant chief administrative officer position before calling the byelection, but Krysko noted that this process has taken longer than anticipated. The search for a permanent CAO is ongoing.

Former Ward 1 councillor Mike Waddell has expressed strong interest in running for the reeve position, contingent upon the election date aligning with his personal and professional commitments. “At this point, I’m watching with interest,” Waddell commented, acknowledging the financial implications of holding a byelection while underscoring its importance for democratic processes.

As the Rural Municipality of Cornwallis prepares for this electoral event, residents await further details regarding the timeline and candidates. The council’s decisions will shape the future leadership of the community, ensuring that local governance continues effectively in the wake of recent changes.