We had high hopes but we were too optimistic.
So, like the Afon Clwyd along its Glasdir floodplain, the town council took the route of least resistance. They chose to seek another co-opted councillor. My guess is that, in spite of it, they could still have decided upon an election had there been the will. Yes, it's more expensive but it's democratic. By continually failing to seek an election at each resignation we end up with a town council chosen by the town council.
In fairness to the mayor, he did raise the question as to whether Facebook would be as equally a good medium as anything at generating interest. That, at least, should ensure a decent field. But it rather presupposes that everyone has (or is willing to have) Facebook. But if Facebook is such a good tool, why couldn't it have been used to seek 10 electors to force an election?
Using Facebook to seek nominations is one thing. The final say as to the chosen candidate is quite another. This isn't the will of the people. There's no hustings—the vote's more private than Secret Squirrel of the International Sneaky Service. It's more secret than Victoria's. You simply cannot understand the vested interests and potential for personal advantage at selection time that each existing councillor brings with them.
The most recent co-opted councillor was appointed in November 2018 (top right). Cllr Oakes was unusually young which, I confess, was a Very Good Thing.
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Town Council