Councillor Claire Pontin has been elected as the new Mayor of MidCoast Council, following a Mayoral election at today’s Council meeting.
There were three nominations for the position of Mayor – Councillor Peter Epov, Councillor Claire Pontin and Councillor Kathryn Bell.
After a vote by a show of hands, Councillor Pontin was elected with seven of the eleven votes.
This is Councillor Pontin’s first term as Mayor and second term as a MidCoast Councillor. She was first elected to MidCoast Council in 2017 and served as Deputy Mayor.
She has welcomed the opportunity to represent Council and undertake the other duties of Mayor.
“I’m incredibly honoured and humbled to be elected as Mayor. I don’t accept the role lightly,” Mayor Pontin said.
“I’m keen to effect some changes that I see as important and I’ve spent a lot of time over the last few weeks talking to Councillors to get a better view of their priorities and concerns for MidCoast Council, and to encourage a collaborative and progressive approach.
“I am looking forward to working with them all to achieve some tangible benefits for the people of MidCoast.
“We have some challenges ahead and we need to respond effectively to them. I’m hopeful we can introduce some new processes to improve our consultations, communication, accountability, and responsiveness to the community.
“One of my key priorities is to build better linkages with the various business sectors. Without thriving businesses, the community as a whole suffers.
“The mayor’s role is one of strategic oversight and leadership and I want to be accessible for the community, to listen and better understand the majority views, so we can better focus our resources to achieve the outcomes the community want to see.”
The Council’s new Deputy Mayor is Councillor Alan Tickle. Cr Tickle, who received seven votes for the role of Deputy Mayor, is serving his first term on MidCoast Council. He previously served on Greater Taree City Council.
