A vacancy has arisen for a seat on the Council to represent Athol ward in the Borough of Douglas following the resignation of Councillor Alan Quirk.
The successful candidate will join Councillor Karen Angela and Councillor Stanley Cain in representing the ward.
Douglas Borough Council leader Councillor David Christian said: ‘For local government to be truly effective it must work in partnership with the electorate to respond to the issues that matter to communities.
‘As with all local authorities Douglas is coming increasingly under pressure to review services, make savings and secure future financial stability. Against this challenging background we would hope to receive nominations from candidates with vision, determination and, importantly, the long-term commitment to serve the electorate and take the town forward.’
Councillor Christian went on to say that the last occasion when an election in Athol ward was held, in June 2012, the number of people who voted was just 404. ‘Elected representatives are tasked with making decisions which can affect many aspects of people’s lives. Historically, however, turnout for local elections has been disappointingly low.
‘Strong voter participation can have a very real impact on decision-making and so, should a bye-election be called in Athol Ward, I would urge electors to use their vote and have their say in how they are served by their elected representatives.’
Deadline for nominations is 5pm on Wednesday October 9th 2013 and forms of nomination are available at Douglas Town Hall.
Should more than one nomination be received by that date an election will be held on Thursday October 31st 2013.
