Council for the Municipality of Kincardine appointed Jason Munro to its vacant seat at a special meeting on Wednesday.
Munro was one of three applicants for the position of Councillor At-Large.
Council had to fill the seat vacated by Mike Hinchberger by appointment because the fall election is less than six months away. Hinchberger took over the Deputy Mayor role after Andrea Clarke resigned in April.
Munro beat out fellow applicants Bill McKeeman and Carol Blake.
He told council through his work as an industrial firefighting captain, he learned skills to handle high-pressure situations.
"One of the most important lessons emergency response has taught me is the value of teamwork and diversity," he told council. "The strongest teams are not made up of people who all think the same: they're made up of individuals who bring different skills, perspectives and experiences to the table. That diversity prepares a team to face complex challenges and find the best solutions... I strongly believe the same principle applies to business and also municipal government."
Munro won the seat after collecting six votes in council's second round of voting. In the first round of voting, he didn't have enough for a majority (five), so Clerk Jennifer Lawrie randomly removed one name of the fewest vote getters (McKeeman) and another round was held.
Munro took his Oath of Office immediately following his appointment.
"I want to sincerely thank all of the applicants who stepped forward and expressed a willingness to serve their community," said Mayor Ken Craig. "Putting your name forward for public office takes courage and commitment, and Council appreciates the time and effort each person invested in this process. We congratulate Jason Munro on his appointment and look forward to their contributions as a member of Council."
Munro's first meeting will be June 10. He will continue in the role until the end of the current Council term on November 14.
