Richmond News
MLA-elect Kelly Greene will get one more committee meeting under her belt as a Richmond city councillor before she steps down.
Nov. 16 will be her last meeting, the general purposes committee meeting, to which she is bringing her last two initiatives: looking at wider sidewalks in Richmond and inclusion of U.N. sustainability goals into the city’s annual reporting. …
Her resignation from council will leave an even number on council.
Some contentious votes on council were split 5-4, with Couns. Greene, Harold Steves, Carol Day, Michael Wolfe and, at times, Chak Au, forming a voting bloc.
Split 4-4 votes will mean a motion fails.
Although it’s harder to get a 5-3 win than a 5-4 win on a motion, Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie said he believes council is “well-functioning” and the work will get done, although councillors may disagree and bring different perspectives.
Brodie estimated a by-election would be held in early spring to replace Greene, but he said there is a lot to consider, from when it can be held to how polls will be set up, given it will most likely be held during the on-going pandemic.
“COVID will be a factor that will exacerbate the timing of the (election),” he said.
Brodie said he wished Greene the best in her role as MLA, and called her a “thoughtful and hardworking” councillor.
“I’m sure she’ll take that with her to the provincial legislature,” Brodie said. …