Board vacancy to be filled by appointment

Trustees point to cost savings, timing

Hamilton’s public school board will appoint a replacement for trustee Christine Bingham, who resigned as the representative for Ward 1 and 2 for undisclosed personal reasons on Nov. 29.

Trustees rejected holding a byelection, the other option to fill the vacancy presented in a staff report at their Dec. 6 board meeting.

The board would have footed the bill for the vote, estimated at $100,000 two years ago when there was a Ward 3 vacancy after incumbent Chris Parkinson died from a heart attack. He was replaced by appointee Maria Felix Miller.

Trustees agreed to meet in early January to discuss the appointment process, but must select a successor to Bingham by Feb. 27.

Only Stoney Creek trustee Cam Galindo favoured a byelection, which would have likely been held in mid-March, calling it the most fair and democratic process.

“Democracy is expensive, but I think it is something we as a board should be willing to expense,” he said. “My concern with moving forward with an appointment process would be our ability as a board to avoid any nepotism or biases, whether direct or systemic.”

But board chair Dawn Danko said, aside from the cost, voter turnout for a trustee byelection is extremely low “and doesn’t necessarily end up reflecting the needs of the community, the wishes of the community.” She noted Hamilton city councillors opted to appoint Russ Powers to fill the recent Ward 5 vacancy left by the election of Chad Collins as MP for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek.

“I totally appreciate the concerns that we want to avoid systemic biases, certainly avoid nepotism, but at the same time, in the time that we have left we want to make sure we do have someone who comes with some understanding of how boards work,” Danko said.

“There’s a steep learning curve and there will be a short time for this person to navigate that and then effectively support the Ward 1 and 2 constituents.”

Dundas trustee Paul Tut suggested any applicants should declare that they won’t run in next October’s municipal elections for trustees to ensure an even playing field for future candidates.

Education director Manny Figueiredo said he’s not sure if trustees can legally forbid an appointee from running next fall, but will provide further information on the selection process in January.

My concern with moving forward with an appointment process would be our ability as a board to avoid any nepotism or biases, whether direct or systemic. CAM GALINDO STONEY CREEK TRUSTEE