Williams is deputy mayor
TONY Williams is Rockhampton Regional Council's new deputy mayor.
Cr Williams was elected after the new council was sworn in last night.
Mayor Margaret Strelow nominated Cr Williams for the position and the motion was seconded by Cr Bill Ludwig.
However, Cr Stephen Schwarten tried to nominate Cr Rose Swadling, only to be told the council had to deal with the motion nominating Cr Williams first.
The change in procedure also upset Cr Glenda Mather who said she expected nominations to be taken from the floor, not one motion for one nomination.
"I have no argument with Cr Williams," Cr Mather said. "On any other occasion, I would support him.
"Our previous mayor (Brad Carter) had never been a previous local government mayor or councillor.
"Cr Swadling was there for him. It was a challenge for her.
"I would like to see her have a second chance ... she did the job well."
Cr Ludwig said it would be good to have fresh blood.
"You only have to look at the percentage of support at the polls," he said. "It is testimony to the support he has in the community.
"I concur with the discussion that we've had that the deputy is a portfolio in its own right."
The vote
For Cr Williams:
Cr Tom Wyatt
Cr Bill Ludwig
Cr Ellen Smith
Cr Cherie Rutherford
Cr Tony Williams
Cr Margaret Strelow
Against:
Cr Stephen Schwarten
Cr Glenda Mather
Cr Rose Swadling
Cr Neil Fisher
