'Fishbowl' runner-up ready to take vacant Midland council seat

Midland council announced recently that the means of selecting a replacement for the seat declared vacant following Coun. Jim Downer’s death would be to choose from those who applied to be a councillor earlier in the year.

MidlandToday reached out to the six remaining candidates from the March pool of applicants for the position, asking if they remained available for nominations.

Yvonne Tietz was one of two finalists in the previous selection process, and indicated her stance to submit her name once again for the position.

“Being the runner-up, I have the experience that our Mayor has indicated and look forward to the opportunity as Councillor for the remainder of term,” Tietz wrote in an email to MidlandToday, reiterating her audience attendance on various municipal functions for her social media page.

“I feel I can represent the men and women of this community with compassion, intelligence and a common sense approach," she said.

Tietz narrowly missed out on taking the previous council vacancy created by the death of deputy mayor Jack Contin.

After eliminating other candidates that time around, including former councillor Cody Oschefski, council members cast their ballots to choose between Jaz Patel and Tietz, resulting in a tie, followed by another tie when none could be swayed. Their arguments ranged between Patel’s business-minded approach and his diversity as a councillor, to the familiarity some council members had toward Tietz as a knowledgeable voice in the community.

A fishbowl with the names for Patel and Tietz was provided, and the town clerk drew Patel’s name.

Another former candidate, Terry Condon responded that he notified all members of council with his intent to be considered for the position.

“The reason is fairly straightforward,” wrote Condon. “I believe that I can bring value to the residents of Midland and will show my worth in the second half of this term.” He added that his responses from the previous questions asked remained the same. “I believe in teamwork and because of the latest challenges given to council, a team player is more important than ever.”

Rob Thorpe replied that he would leave his name to stand for the position. 

No response was returned from previous applicants Bob Jeffrey, Eric ‘Howie’ Major or Oschefski as of the publication of this article.

But on his Facebook page, Oschefski seems to indicate he's still interested.

"Another opportunity to get my seat back at council on August 7th," he wrote. "Council will select a new councillor from the 6 people remaining from the last process. I came final 3 last time and, after talking to some councillors, I am the underdog this time.

"I truly believe it is my life's work to be a community leader. If this council doesn't select me I will be an even better candidate by 2026."

The selection for the vacancy will be addressed at the Wednesday, August 7 special meeting of council, with further details forthcoming from the town.

-with files from Andrew Philips