City clerk: Rules removing trustee important for democracy

Another 20 candidates who ran in the local municipal and trustee elections last fall also didn't file their paperwork in time, but Cameron was the only one who held elected office.

Those who defaulted on this responsibility are also unable to run in the next municipal and trustee elections in 2018.

“It's all about the accountability and transparency of the candidate as to how their campaign was funded, and how they spent their expenses during the campaign,” Hallsworth said.

“Elections are a very rigorous process. Part of how we ensure the protection of democracy is by running very tight elections.”

Having that many candidates fail to file election finances in time is unusual, she said. During the 2010 municipal election, there were less than 10 who violated the rules, Hallsworth said.

Cameron said he forgot to file the paperwork after three family members passed away in the past two months.

Sudbury Catholic's vice-chair, Michael Bellmore — now the acting chair after Cameron's departure — said the rules are the rules, but wishes the clerk's office would provide more reminders for candidates.

“Really, what would a two-week notice look like, and what minimal costs would it have for the city clerk's office?” he said.

Hallsworth said all candidates receive a registered letter in December, explaining the reporting requirements. She said she also did media interviews about candidates' responsibility a few weeks ago to remind them.

“That date is very well communicated to the candidates,” said Hallsworth.

Given Cameron's removal from office, the Sudbury Catholic board now has to decide what to do to replace him.

Sudbury Catholic director of education Joanne Bénard said she's in the process of gathering information on the options, which she'll present to trustees at a future board meeting.

The board can either appoint a candidate — similar to what Greater Sudbury city council did last summer to replace Fabio Belli and Joe Cimino — or hold a byelection.

It must do this within 90 days, Hallsworth said.

All costs for a trustee byelection would be borne by the school board, but Hallsworth said she's been in contact with Bénard to present options for how to keep costs low, including using board facilities.

“The costs narrow as the number of eligible electors narrows, and in this case, the separate school board in that zone has only 4,500 electors, so it's a very small group,” Hallsworth said.

In terms of the school board's leadership, Bellmore said Sudbury Catholic trustees will choose a new chair and vice-chair at the next school board meeting.