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New MLA blasted for staying on Pitt council

A pair of Pitt Meadows residents in an uproar over Dr. Doug Bing as they want a ‘full-time’ city councillor
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Warren Byrnell


The new member of the legislature was chastised by the public at a council meeting Tuesday for holding onto his job as a councillor for the city of Pitt Meadows.

As cameras rolled, two residents took the opportunity during question period to criticize Dr. Doug Bing, saying voters did not elect a councillor to sit part-time.

Instead of resigning and triggering a by-election, Bing will stay on city council until the start of 2014.

To retain his place as a councillor, Bing only has to return to the city for council duties every 59 days.

“We are short one councillor on normal occasions,” said Tom Murray, a resident who is currently spearheading a zero tax increase petition.

“Would you be prepared to cover the cost of a by-election to enable a worthy candidate to fill the position of councillor? What happens until next fall is we are one councillor short.”

City staff estimate a by-election will cost $15,000. Bing is forgoing his councillor’s salary until he resigns.

Mayor Deb Walters intervened following Murray’s question, telling the audience that Bing was able to hold both positions under B.C.’s Community Charter.

Bing responded by saying Pitt Meadows was not unique in its dilemma.

Out of the 24 new MLAs, 12 are currently members of a municipal council.

“My decision is to do what had been recommended by the premier and not to resign until January,” said Bing, adding that Coun. Janis Elkerton did the same thing a few years prior.

Elkerton was a sitting councillor in 2008 when health problems forced her to step down nine months before a civic election.

She was re-elected to council in 2011 and took exception to Bing’s comment at Tuesday’s meeting.

“Mine was medical and I resigned,” Elkerton said following Tuesday’s meeting.

“I did not take a leave of absence. Mine was only for nine months versus his 18 months and I fully fulfilled my council duties, not just show up sporadically.”

Warren Byrnell, president of the Korea Veterans Association, joined Murray in his criticism of Bing’s decision to remain on council until January.

He wondered how Bing would not be in a conflict, especially at the upcoming Union of B.C. Municipalities meeting, where civic politicians often lobby MLAs for grants.

“He is really working for two masters, not just one,” said Byrnell.

“I don’t think it’s right, in all fairness, to the rest of the councillors. I am requesting that he have another good look at it and put more thought on what the drawbacks are.”

Pitt Meadows council recently denied Bing’s request for a leave of absence, leaving the decision to resign or stay on council up to him.