Petrolia Mayor R. Brad Loosely is taking a step back from his mayoral duties while he addresses a medical issue.
The municipality announced council member Joel Field will step in to support the community as acting mayor in the meantime. He was appointed by fellow council members and on the recommendation of Mayor Loosley. The decision was made during a closed session meeting of council Tuesday evening.
The town has, through by-law, a schedule of acting mayors that rotate between councillors in two-month periods.
"For this temporary leave, Council approved that there would be an appointed Acting Mayor for a period of three months in the role, thus continuing the tradition of support for the community and Council and providing a clear point of contact," read a statement from the Town of Petrolia.
Field will attend county council and events on behalf of the municipality and when unavailable to fulfill that commitment, other councillors will continue to support Acting Mayor Field during any events as needed.
Residents are to contact Field with items that would be otherwise directed to Loosley during this three-month timeframe.
"On behalf of Council and staff, we wish [Mayor Loosley] the very best, and look forward to his return to his seat at the Head of Council for the Town of Petrolia," the statement concluded.
