By-election best way to fill Council vacancy in Kanata North

Dear Editor (Ottawa Citizen):

With the resignation of Kanata North Councillor Jenna Sudds upon her election to Parliament, City Council must fill her seat and can do so by appointment or by holding a byelection. The better choice would be to let the residents of Kanata North choose their representative, rather than have a clique on City Council choose for them.

Already the campaign is on for an appointment, cutting out any discussion by Kanata North residents. How can they quiz applicants on their position on taxes, LRT, free transit, intensification, snow plowing standards, defunding police, and other issues important to residents?

Council has precedents for holding byelections to fill vacancies, even at this stage of Council's term. Important decisions remain to be made by City Council. Kanata North residents deserve to choose their own representative, not accept someone else's choice.