BY NANCY KELLY
Kings County Advertiser/Register
Kingston’s new election bylaw passed first reading at the village commission’s Feb. 10 meeting.
Drafted in response to “issues and questions” that cropped up during last year’s nomination and election process, the new bylaw represents a “fairly significant” change in the way Kingston ratepayers will elect village officials, starting this year.
In the past, candidates for a seat on the five-member commission were introduced and given a opportunity to address the gathering at the village’s springtime annual meeting (AGM). If more than one candidate had declared, voting was held at the same time. No advance polling was held.
Last year’s request for an advanced poll by one of two candidates triggered public complaints, and prompted incumbent Doug Beaman to withdraw from the race. The decision, made by the village chairman and clerk-treasurer without consultation with members of the commission, was subsequently rescinded. Further investigation revealed there was no policy in place allowing the village to hold an advance poll. After a second round of nominations, Beaman was acclaimed.
Under the new bylaw, the village will follow a revised election timetable that includes an advance poll and a separate election day, outside the village’s AGM. In the 2011 election cycle, following a call for nominations that will be issued in early May, a two-week nomination period will wrap up May 25. An advance poll will be held May 31, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The village AGM follows June 2. Candidates will be given an opportunity to speak at that meeting, and election day has been set for June 4. Polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“This is an advancement in my opinion,” said Commission Chairman Tom Beardsley, adding the new electoral system “will bring us in line with other municipal units.”
Second and final reading of the bylaw will take place at the commission’s March 10 meeting. Two seats on the commission will be up for grabs this year. Lorne Reid and Brad Beardsley are approaching the end of their, respective, three and one-and-a-half year terms.
