Newly appointed Sidney Ward councillor Karen Sharpe was officially sworn in to her seat Monday night at a special meeting of Quinte West council to discuss the updated Official Plan.
The seat was left vacant after the passing of Terry Cassidy at the age of 73.
During her swearing in, Sharpe was emotional.
“Little emotional because of the chair I’m sitting in.” Sharpe told council referring to the passing of Cassidy.
Sharpe also told council she is excited to work with them this term.
“I want to let all council know I look forward to working with all of you and the mayor, the community and the staff. Thank you.” Sharpe said.
The appointment was controversial as council decided not to appoint the next in line from the October municipal election, Allan Dewitt, but instead chose Sharpe.
Sharpe had previously been on council for Sidney Ward for the last two terms sitting on several committees.
She did not run for her ward in the October municipal election instead running for mayor where she came in second to Jim Harrison.
A media release was sent out by Sharpe outlining council’s decision to avoid a by-election and to appoint her.
“If Council had supported a by-election, I would have run to fill this vacancy,” Sharpe said in the release. “Given the election cost and the proposed 2023 draft budget increase, I understand Council’s decision not to proceed with a by-election.”
“After the first two motions were lost, Council made the decision to appoint me.” Sharpe stated referring to the defeat of a by-election and the defeat of the appointment of Dewitt.
“Given the process legally exercised by Council under the Municipal Act and under these circumstances I have accepted this appointment.”
Sharpe declined to provide further comment to Quinte News.
