BATHURST could have a new deputy mayor as early as Wednesday despite some councillors seeking to put off a decision until the new year.
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Mayor Gary Rush will consider tabling a mayoral minute at Wednesday night’s monthly meeting calling for nominations to fill the post left vacant by Councillor Ian North’s surprise resignation last week.
Cr Rush told the Western Advocate last week that he was keen to see a new deputy elected as soon as possible and a mayoral minute would be the quickest way forward.
Alternatively, the election of a new deputy mayor could come before council as a report from general manager David Sherley, but that would not happen until early next year.
The Western Advocate understands Cr Rush was canvassing the views of other councillors on Monday before deciding whether to fast-track a new election on Wednesday.
Cr Graeme Hanger - one name suggested as a potential replacement for Cr North – said he did not believe there was a need to hold an election this week and would like to speak to his family before deciding whether or not to nominate for the vacant position.
“Let’s just get Christmas over and done with and I will talk to my family about it,” he said.
“But who knows what the future is going to bring? If the Woollahra (amalgamation) decision comes down then we may not be here.”
Former mayor Greg Westman said he was not in a position to consider taking on the deputy role.
“We have a good council and a lot of councillors could do the job,” Cr Westman said.
“Personally, though, time-wise and work-wise, I’m not in a position to be putting my hand up.”
Cr Westman paid tribute to Cr North’s work as deputy mayor over nine terms.
“Ian is a passionate councillor and has been a passionate deputy mayor and while we don’t like to see anybody stepping down from their position, you can only follow your heart,” he said.
“Sometimes on council that can a difficult thing to do so kudos for that.”
Cr Warren Aubin also said he would not contest a ballot for the deputy mayor’s position.
“I am happy as a councillor doing what I am doing,” he said.
Cr North did not return calls from the Western Advocate on Monday seeking to elaborate on his reasons for stepping down as deputy mayor.
However, an email sent to councillors and senior council staff last Friday said he was doing so for “personal reasons”.