Vaughan seeking applicants to fill former councillor Michael Di Biase's seat
You have until 4:30 p.m. on June 22 to apply. Council will choose Di Biase's replacement at a special meeting June 28.

YorkRegion.com
June 12, 2017
Adam Martin-Robbins

Do you have a passion for local politics, a keen understanding of how municipal government works or a burning desire to serve your community?

If so, the City of Vaughan wants to hear from you.

Applicants are being sought to fill veteran councillor Michael Di Biase’s vacant local and regional councillor seat for the remainder of this term, ending Nov. 30, 2018.

Di Biase, who served on council for nearly 30 years, including a stint as mayor from 2002 to 2006, stepped down May 19 following the release of an explosive report by Integrity Commissioner Suzanne Craig that found he sexually harassed a city employee for several months last year.

Di Biase has vehemently denied the allegations.

To be eligible to fill his post, you must be: A Canadian citize;  At least 18 years of age;  A resident, owner or tenant of land in Vaughan, or the spouse of such owner or tenant; Not legally prohibited from voting or from holding municipal office.  

Applications, available at the clerk’s office at city hall, 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr., or online at vaughan.ca/clerks, must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Thursday, June 22.

Applicants can submit letters, biographies or other related documents to be considered by council before they choose the appointee during a special council meeting Wednesday, June 28 at 9:30 a.m.

At that meeting, council will hear from and ask questions of applicants before voting.

The person they appoint won’t become deputy mayor and net the nearly $8,000 salary bump that comes with the title.

Under the city’s bylaw, the deputy mayor is the regional council candidate who garnered the most votes in the 2014 municipal election. In that person's absence, it is the councillor who received the second highest number of votes, which was Regional Coun. Mario Ferri. He will now serve as deputy mayor until the end of the term.

Council voted, June 5, to appoint a member of the public to fill Di Biase’s seat rather than hold a byelection in part because going to the polls would have cost an estimated $1 million.