Paul Simmons re-elected as Coorong Mayor
Councillor Simmons will serve until at least 2022, and his deputy is back, too.
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Paul Simmons will get at least two more years as Mayor of the Coorong District Council after being voted back in last week.
Councillors opted to stick with Cr Simmons in the top job at their meeting on Tuesday.
He was the only one of the nine councillors who put his hand up for the role – a vote of confidence in his handling of several recent crises.
Deputy Mayor Jeff Arthur will also continue to serve after highlighting his experience, with more than 10 years on the council, and promising to keep working hard for ratepayers.
He saw off a challenge by Cr Tracy Hill, who argued that she was a strong believer in giving opportunity to relative newcomers, and that her experience leading on other boards would help her serve the community well.
However, Cr Arthur will only fill the position for one year instead of two.
A majority of councillors – including the Mayor – argued that it would be good for the role to be shared around a bit more.
The change would help more councillors gain the skills and experience they would need to go for the top job in future, Cr Sharon Bland said – “for succession planning”.
Mayoral terms are limited to two years in the Coorong district, and mayors chosen by the other councillors.
By contrast, Murray Bridge chooses its mayor with a popular vote at local government elections, held every four years.
The next election is due in November 2022.
