MLA-elect LInda Reimer is looking into the possibility of keeping her Coquitlam council job for the next 18 months until the next civic election to avoid a costly byelection to replace her.
Immediately upon securing her victory Tuesday night, Reimer began fielding questions from constituents about her next steps and she told The Tri-City News that's an issue facing dozens of newly elected candidates who are also sitting municipal council members.
"It's something I'll have to discuss with my colleagues," Reimer said, noting she has already begun doing research into the issue.
There are no legal constraints to doing both jobs, the question is more about time management because both positions require a lot of effort and an MLA's job also requires travel.
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.
If she decided to keep both jobs, she would have some support from her council colleagues who have in the past asked the province to waive the requirement to hold a byelection.
The last Coquitlam byelection - held in May 2010 after Fin Donnelly resigned his council job when he won the New Westminster-Coquitlam MP's seat for the federal NDP - cost Coquitlam taxpayers about $140,000 and city clerk Jay Gilbert said a byelection to replace Reimer would cost about the same.
Not only are byelections costly, they are roundly ignored by voters. Turnout in 2010 to replace Fin Donnelly saw only 7.6% of eligible voters show up to elect Coun. Neil Nicholson.
"I will make an informed decision," Reimer promised.
