Last week after a long week of challenging discussions, I made the decision to step back and work remotely to refocus and reflect, in-between answering phone callsfrom elected members and replying to a number of emails.
In my reflection, I recognised change can be challenging and my commitment to Gore and my fellow councillors is to constructively and professionally work through this period of change.
I realise my election as Mayor may have come as a shock for some, and the changes flowing from that have been a concern to some of my peers.
The Council’s goal has always been and must continue to be to serve our community and people to the best of our ability. I am confident that if everyone is willing to focus on how we best support our community we will be able to work through these challenges and do the work our community has
elected usto do.
Regarding the councillor summit, it is important we create a high-performing team and spend time together outside the Council Chambers, getting a wide range of information from a variety of experts. We had two productive days with robust discussions. For inclusivity, these discussions were feedback to those who could not make it before our first council meeting.
We are all committed to achieving the objectives outlined in our respective electoral campaigns and that will involve some upfront costs to establish the right foundation for our team and organisation.
It has been made clear the role of deputy mayor is important not only for the mayor but also the Council and the wider organisation. I consider Cr MacDonell a respected and capable member of our team, who is committed to getting good things done in our community. While it is disappointing to
have his appointment challenged in such a short space of time, we will find a way forward.
Councillors will be meeting ahead of the extraordinary meeting to reflect on the challenge of deputy mayor. We will collectively work towards a solution benefiting the entire Council. We need to allow everyone time to refocus on the Gore District and how we make good things happen effectively and
efficiently.
I will refrain from commenting further on the deputy mayor’s position until we have had that conversation as a team.
I want to thank everyone for their kind messages over the past week. I’m committed to working with all my peers in the Council to ensure everyone’s ideas are heard, considered and factored into the decisions I make as Mayor and we make as a Council.
He waka eke noa, we are all in this together.
Gore District Mayor Ben Bell.