Important decision for new council ahead of COVID-19

CHAMBER COMMENT: Before the business of an economic relief package for small business there is an important decision for the newly elected council.

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl. 27/03/20

With a declaration of the Toowoomba Regional Council election results and before the business of an economic relief package for small business and a community-based response to COVID-19 there is an important decision for the newly elected council.

That decision is the appointment of a deputy mayor.

We have seen some discussion recently in the papers about who should be Deputy Mayor.

History tells us, the candidate who received the most votes becomes Deputy Mayor.

If you look at the electoral commission of Queensland website, Mayor Paul Antonio was deputy mayor in 2008, and he had the highest candidate vote being 7.07 per cent.

In 2012, Mike Williams was the deputy mayor and he had the highest public vote of 5.80 per cent.

And in 2016, Cr Carol Taylor obtained the role of deputy mayor and she to, was the candidate with the highest community vote of 5.62 per cent.

My research indicates that this is the way in which the council has appointed the deputy mayor since amalgamation.

While I have not been convinced this is the best way to appoint a Deputy Mayor, I respect the tradition of the council.

This is an important decision which needs to be taken with much care and thought. My view, the mayor and deputy mayor, duo, form a key leadership team, much like a CEO and his or her deputy.

Such critical decisions can shape and define relationships and teams.

Based on tradition, Dr Rebecca Vonhoff is likely to be appointed as deputy mayor, as she recorded the highest public vote of 6.09 per cent.

If tradition is to be followed, the appointment of Rebecca, if she wants the job, as the new deputy mayor, will be swift and painless.

On review of Rebecca’s campaign, she articulated her commitment and love for Toowoomba and the region.

She outlined her experience and diverse business background, which I believe will be a win for all businesses and the Toowoomba community.

Her campaign clearly hit a chord with Toowoomba voters, with her public support, just shy of the current mayor’s community support in 2008.

This is the long way around to get to a simple point, I would like to make.

As I said, the mayor and deputy mayor have significant leadership roles in the community and within the council team.

Together, I see no reason why, if tradition is followed, Paul and Rebecca cannot be a formidable leadership force.

One of experience and youth. One of steadiness and enthusiasm.

One a statesman who knows the art of government and the other with a rich and diverse business background.

It appears, prima facie, a beautiful balance.

Time will tell if they will become a dynamic duo. And the ultimate dynamism of this duo, will be judged by the community.

Whatever decision the council makes, I look forward to working with the mayor, deputy mayor and all elected officials over the coming four years.

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