Sexton tops Ruzicka, Harvey for deputy role

HOBART Alderman Peter Sexton has been appointed as the capital’s new deputy mayor, replacing Ron Christie, who has been elevated to the lord mayor position.

Hobart City Council aldermen last night chose Alderman Sexton for the role over Aldermen Eva Ruzicka and Bill Har- vey. Initial voting resulted a tie between Ald Sexton and Ald Harvey at 5-5, with one vote for Ald Ruzicka.

A second vote led to Ald Sexton prevailing 6-5.

He will fill the position until the council elections in October.

Former mayor Sue Hickey resigned last month after winning a seat in Denison in the state election. Ald Christie stepped into the top job until October, creating the deputy vacancy.

Ald Christie said Ald Sexton had a great knowledge of local government.

“Peter has got a good knowledge base for finance, budgets and expenditure and contributes quite a bit in that area,” he said.

“He has good knowledge of what is expected to be deputy mayor.”

A report presented at last night’s meeting showed the council had also considered a proposal from Ald Marti Zucco to appoint multiple aldermen as deputy mayor, on a monthly rotation until October.

Legal advice from Simmons Wolfhagen scuttled that sug- gestion, saying in a letter that “in our opinion, that option is not open to the council”.

Ald Anna Reynolds said she would run for the mayor position in the October elections, with fellow Ald Damon Thomas indicating he may do likewise.

Ald Sexton could not be contacted for comment on his appointment last night.