Re-elected Mayor and Deputy Positive About The Future
Cr Steve Toms was unanimously re-elected for another term as Mayor at the Glen Innes Severn Council Meeting held on Thursday 24 September 2009. Cr Colin Price was also re-elected as Deputy Mayor.
At the Mayoral Luncheon, held after the meeting, General Manager Hein Basson said he was honoured to announce the re-election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. "Our community is fortunate to have two Councillors with your intelligence, leadership, talents, balanced approach to matters, sense of equity and passion for our community at the helm steering Council," he said.
Mr Basson said the re-election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor was not surprising. "Steve and Judi, in their roles of Mayor and Mayoress, have proven themselves over the last four years to be an excellent Mayoral pair," he said. "Col and Christine have proven themselves to be a team that is always ready to fill in and support Steve and Judi when the need arises."
In his address to the function, Mayor Toms gave a brief overview on a range of matters relating to Council. "A lot has been said about the sustainability of Local Government," he said. "This is primarily a funding issue and could be fixed if Council received its full entitlement under the Financial Assistance Grants. Council has a large task to undertake if you appreciate the range of areas and services that it is involved in. Balancing what can and can't be achieved is therefore a difficult role."
The Mayor, like the General Manager, spoke of the importance of constitutional recognition for Local Government. "Local Government is currently the poor relation as it has very little control of its revenue, receiving most from the Federal Government and the rate payers," he said. "Constitutional recognition of Local Government is necessary."
Cr Toms thanked the other Councillors, the General Manager, Council staff, and his wife, Judi, for their support. "I enjoy working with my fellow councillors, the General Manager and staff as well as feeling the support from our community," he said.
Deputy Mayor Price also addressed the function, and spoke about Council's vision, which is to lead a confident and inclusive community. He emphasized the importance of becoming a truly inclusive community, which helps disadvantaged members to participate fully in all activities.
Contact details
Catherine McBride
cmcbride@gisc.nsw.gov.au
