Belleville councillor taking leave of absence

By Haley Rose 

BELLEVILLE – Belleville city councillor Mitch Panciuk announced at the council meeting on Monday night that he will be taking an unpaid leave of absence.

A death in his immediate family, as well as other personal matters, have led Panciuk to decide to step down until December.

Panciuk said he may return earlier if his family is able to make the necessary arrangements and adjustments.

If he cannot take an unpaid leave of absence, Panciuk said, he will donate his council pay to Belleville-based charities.

This is Panciuk’s first term on city council, to which he was elected last October. He ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2010.

At Monday’s meeting. Panciuk said he feels it would not be not fair to those who voted for him if he missed a lot of meetings.

“I will still act as a city councillor to the best of my abilities and look forward to being able to come back to my duties as soon as possible,” Panciuk said.

He thanked council and members of the public for their support so far.