Kenora city council is leaning toward appointing a councillor as a permanent deputy mayor.
The idea has been talked about before, and this council is supportive.
Councillor Graham Chaze says he favours the members of council making that selection.
“I don’t see it as being a ballot issue, the strength of a deputy mayor is really an internal position, in terms of working amongst council, chairing our in-camera meetings, helping you with your (the mayor’s) business,” Chaze told council at their Committee of the Whole meeting this week.
Mayor Andrew Poirier adds that it would be nice to have someone else that could take the burden off him, when he has other engagements.
“It’s nice to have someone out there representing the city. It happens more than not. There are times where (the city) is just saying there is no-one available. If we can make someone available, I think that’s even better to have us out there.”
He also argues that a person who takes on the role of deputy mayor should get a pay bump.
Council has decided appointing a deputy mayor will take place after the next council is sworn in.
For the remainder of this council, members will continue their rotation in that position.
