If MLA-elect Linda Reimer decides to keep her Coquitlam council seat to avoid forcing a byelection, she would only need to do the two jobs until next July - and could even quit as early as Jan. 1, according to the Coquitlam city clerk's office.
A city spokesperson, responding to a story in Friday's Tri-City News, said Reimer needn't stay on until the November 2014 civic election to avoid a byelection, which would cost about $140,000.
Lauren Hewson said the Local Government Act would permit a Jan. 1, 2014 resignation as long as the number of remaining council members is one greater than quorum. As well, council would have to approve the resignation.
No vote would be necessary if she resigns after July 1, 2014, according to the Local Government Act.
The information comes as Reimer researches the possibility of staying on with council, a situation facing approximately eight other MLAs who were elected to the provincial legislature last Tuesday.
Following her narrow in over the NDP candidate Joe Trasolini in the riding of Port Moody-Coquitlam, Reimer said it is important to look into the possibility of holding both positions.
"It's something I'll have to discuss with my colleagues," she said last week.
But she said she had lots of issues to consider, such as whether she could do both jobs satisfactorily. Reimer noted, for example, that she might have to miss Monday night council meetings when the legislature is sitting. There's also the issue of remuneration and Reimer said one idea would be to donate one salary to charity.
She promised to make an informed decision.
It's possible Reimer will be heading to Victoria sooner rather than later. Premier Christy Clark has stated there may be a summer session, with a sitting no later than the fall.
