Snook’s seat on council will likely remain vacant for the next several months.

The opportunity to fill his seat won’t come anytime soon. “He’s innocent until proven guilty, but that’s a long time for court proceedings, but now with Donnie giving up his seat, it creates a great opportunity for the city.” “I have to give a lot of credit to Donnie Snook to resign,” says former Saint John Mayor Norm McFarlane.

The resignation also removes the possibility of a divisive debate at city hall over Snook’s position on council. “I really believe that all members of council, regardless of what ward they represent, will be there to assist any citizen,” says Coun. However, Snook’s departure also means that loss of representation for residents of Saint John’s south end, uptown, and parts of the east and west sides. He did the right thing to get himself out of that position.” “I agree that Snook did the right thing, 100 per cent,” says resident Cliff Bustard. South end residents say Snook’s resignation was the right move for the city. Police say their investigation began in 2011 and involved the RCMP, Saint John Police Force, and Toronto Police Service. They seized several items, including computer equipment and children sexual abuse images, during their search. The charges came after police executed a search warrant at Snook’s Martha Avenue home on Jan. Snook, 40, is facing three counts of sexual interference on a child under 16 years of age, two counts of possession of child pornography, one count of making child pornography and two counts of making child pornography available. “I think it presents the opportunity for council to turn the page and move forward in 2013 and concentrate on the issues affecting the city,” says Coun. His seat is now empty and for now, it will stay that way. Snook, 40, is facing eight sex charges involving children and his sudden decision to give up his seat has removed a potentially difficult issue for his former fellow councillors. There seemed to be a sense of relief around the council table in Saint John today, one day after the resignation of Coun.

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