The following letter was sent to Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa and members of town council. A copy was also sent to The Lake Report.

This council has decided to fill a seat made vacant by a resignation, behind closed doors. The question is: Why?

Whatever qualities Mr. Niven has or does not have, and in what way he may contribute to council, he does not represent me nor any other residents of NOTL and as an unelected person, he represents nobody but himself.

The democratic process in which the electorate can express an opinion has been completely ignored by this council.

Former councillor Allan Bisback ran for office during the last election and with the votes he collected, this makes him the natural first runner-up.

He is also prepared to stand again — so why?

Perhaps our lord mayor can provide a comment on this and a reason behind the choice.

This council is one of shame, and those who voted in favour of this terrible and unwise decision should resign immediately.

Derek Collins
NOTL