Newly elected Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows MLA Doug Bing says he’s still seeking clarification on a number of issues before deciding when he will resign his seat on Pitt Meadows council.
Bing had been seeking a leave of absence until January 2014 from his duties as a council member in order to avoid triggering a by-election.
However, his request has been unanimously declined by the rest of Pitt Meadows council.
Bing said he hopes to have a decision by next week, resolving the timing of his departure.
“The issue of a by-election plays a part in it,” said Bing, who won under the Liberal banner on the May 14 provincial election, edging out the NDP’s Elizabeth Rosenau by 620 votes.
“There is also the issue of wrapping up some of the work on committees that I’d like to take care of.”
If he resigns before January 2014, it will automatically trigger a by-election.
Pitt Meadows city staff estimate that will cost around $15,000.
It is legal for Bing to retain his council seat as well as serve as a member of the B.C. Liberal caucus.
Under the Community Charter, councils have the right to remove councillors if they miss excessive time from their duties.
Mayor Deb Walters said she’s not sure when Bing plans on leaving his seat.
“As it stands now, he’s within his rights to stay on council,” she said. “He just can’t miss more than 59 consecutive days, as set out under the Community Charter.”