With a March 2nd by-election date looming in Lytton to fill an empty council seat a former mayor is threatening to lawyer up and try to delay the vote.

Chris O’Connor wanted to run for the council seat but didn’t file in time because he claims the city did not advertise as required beforehand.

O’Connor says they were required to advertise in the local paper.

“They sent it in to the Lilloett news on the 9th and they didn’t publish until the 16th, which is not credible it does not meet the requirements of the Act.”

He says it also should have been posted online.

“They said they put it up on the 9th but the contractor who works on their website accidentally took it down on the 11th so they didn’t meet that requirement either.”

As for the requirement to post it on the village bulletin board.

“I wasn’t in town for that duration so I didn’t see it on the bulletin board.”

O’Connor says unless the by-election is cancelled, re-scheduled, and required advertising done he will launch a legal challenge.

“I will take it to court if required.”

For her part the Chief Electoral Officer in Lytton says everything was done as it should have been.

Rebecca Anderson says she sat down with O’Connor, listened to his concerns, and then covered the village’s bases.

“I had sought the advice of our advisor at the ministry of municipal affairs who informed us that we have done everything right. We fall under section 94 of the Community Charter, which is allowed under the schedule to the Local Government Act. It is at the discretion of council what is practical and what is reasonable for posting notices for the byelection.”

Anderson says she was told Lytton satisfied the criteria as outlined in the Charter.

Two candidates did file, Dallas Ian Hay and Thom Ross.

The vote will be held on March 2nd with an advance poll in Lytton on February 20th.