East Gwillimbury council has voted to appoint Coun. Tara Roy-DiClemente to take Mayor Virginia Hackson’s seat on York Region council if the mayor is absent — a move one councillor says could confuse residents about who is actually leading the municipality.
The decision, approved in a recorded vote Nov. 4, comes while Hackson is currently on vacation until December. The town has a long-standing system where councillors rotate through the role of acting mayor whenever Hackson is unavailable. At the moment, Coun. Brian Johns holds that role; Coun. Susan Lahey is scheduled to take over on Dec. 1.
But under the new arrangement, the acting mayor will not automatically fill Hackson’s seat on York Region council. Instead, Roy-DiClemente will represent East Gwillimbury at the regional table during any future absences.
Lahey, who cast the lone vote against the motion, said the change could create public confusion.
“This decision will create further confusion for the public as to who is truly running our municipality,” Lahey said. “Our priority should always be working together as a team… It’s not a game of one-upmanship.”
The motion was brought forward by Coun. Scott Crone and seconded by Coun. Loralea Carruthers, who argued that the town should decide the matter now rather than wait until another absence occurs.
Carruthers called the move “housekeeping,” saying it avoids procedural delays if a replacement is needed again.
Roy-DiClemente, who has served multiple terms on council, said she accepted the appointment with humility.
“I will do my utmost to represent the interests of the town and will serve with deep appreciation for the trust my colleagues have placed in me,” she said.
Roy-DiClemente acknowledged the uncomfortable nature of voting for her own appointment, describing her vote as an “awkward yes.”
Council members emphasized that Hackson has given no indication she intends to take another extended leave, but the town will now have a designated representative ready if it happens.
