Chad Collins likely to replace Morelli on Hamilton police board

Coun. Chad Collins is the likely candidate to take over a vacant spot on Hamiltons police services board.

The Ward 5 councillor will let his name stand to take the seat vacated by Coun. Bernie Morelli, who died last week. Morelli was also the board chair.

The board is comprised of provincial and city appointees and three city councillors. Coun. Terry Whitehead fills one of the council spots, and Coun. Lloyd Ferguson, the boards new chair, fills the other.

Coun. Sam Merullasaid he plans to nominate Collins for the job at an upcoming meeting. Morelli was supportive of Collins taking on the role, Merulla said. Collins plans to accept the nomination.

Its something Ive always looked at but because weve always had good representation, Ive never put my name forward, Collinstold CBC Hamilton. I think Id like to continue on with what Bernies done.

The past year has seen an ever-changing membership for the board that oversees the Hamilton Police Service. City appointee Jim Kay resigned last year. Ferguson was appointed to temporarily fill in for Whitehead, then became a permanent member when Mayor Bob Bratina resigned.

Next month, council will also consider appointing former Hamilton mayor Bob Morrow to fill Morelli'scouncil seat, Merulla said.