Despite a no confidence vote from six of his councillor colleagues Dungog mayor Glenn Wall said he will not step down.
At last week’s council meeting six councillors voted in favour of the no confidence motion put forward by Cr Peter Ainsworth and requested the mayor step down immediately.
The motion requested that council register its lack of confidence in Cr Wall’s ability to adequately, appropriately and effectively represent council resolutions in relation to Tillegra Dam in the media and in deputations to local members of parliament, government ministers and members of the Opposition.
Cr Ainsworth said the motion was about confidence in relation to council resolutions.
“In 2009 we had a firm resolution in place that officially Dungog Council does not support the proposed Tillegra Dam,” Cr Ainsworth said.
“I have had people say to me that the mayor has made statements regarding council which go against our resolution and as such, it appears council is supportive of the idea.
“He should have taken a greater lead on what council wants.
“I am not saying that the mayor is in favour, but it is coming across that way.
“We as councillors have lost confidence on how he represents us with the community.”
At the meeting Cr Wall read statements of support from the Minister the Hunter Jodi McKay, Member for the Upper Hunter George Souris and Senator Michael Forshaw.
He also addressed the meeting with a slideshow presentation of the various media statements published in local newspapers and on ABC Radio, some of which were the focus of the motion.
Cr Wall asked for an open debate on the motion, however this was voted against by the majority of councillors.
Before leaving the room Cr Wall said “I’m not going to sit here and debate this rubbish.”
‘‘You can feel free to do what you want to.’’
Councillors Lea Mitchell and Stephen Farrow opposed the move and spoke against the motion.
Cr Farrow said it was “scary, unbelievable and confusing” that this was happening.
“It’s hard to believe that raw recruits with less than two years local government experience believe they can do a better job (than the mayor),” he said.
“This is belittling the mayor.”
Cr Mitchell, who also supported Cr Wall, said it was a “very sad day in my opinion that such a motion can be considered”.
“There is no way the mayor would ignore the decision of council.”
When Cr Wall returned to the meeting room he asked for the results of the vote.
“In light of the resolution I will deliberate and wait until (general manager) Craig’s (Deasey) return and will take it from there.
“I will advise you all of my decision later.”
Acting general manager Matthew Brown said legal advice indicated that it was not up to
councillors to specifically dictate the term of office of the mayor.
“It is a voluntary decision of the mayor,” he said.
“The request could be considered and then declined.”
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