Jordan remains as NP deputy mayor
New Plymouth’s new deputy mayor will pick up his duties where he left off.
Re-elected mayor Neil Holdom has again picked councillor Richard Jordan as his second-incommand.
Jordan, of Inglewood, has already filled the role for about two years following the resignation of Craig Macfarlane for health reasons.
Holdom said it was not an easy decision, as there was a very capable team of councillors.
‘‘I think the community has chosen a really good strong council,’’ Holdom said.
‘‘Richard and I have worked really well together over the past couple of years. Our skills complement each other. He is prone to telling me off occasionally.’’
Jordan said he shared similar views with the mayor. ‘‘I think his principals are pretty strong.’’
Both were pleased with the balance of the council table, with New Plymouth City ward councillors Stacey Hitchcock, Gordon Brown, Harry Duynhoven, Murray Chong, Sam Bennett, Richard Handley, Amanda ClintonGohdes, Dinnie Moeahu, Anneka Carlson and David Bublitz, with North Ward councillors Tony Bedford, Colin Johnston and Jordan’s fellow South-West Ward councillor Marie Pearce.
‘‘I think it’s the best council I’ve seen,’’ Jordan said.
‘‘There’s not many areas of the community that aren’t reflected around the table.’’
There were a fair number of new councillors and some bright new ideas, he added.
‘‘They will expound their views very forcefully and openly, which is an attribute to be admired.’’
Infrastructure, water and the future of the local economy are all high on Holdom’s priority list.
Councillor Stacey Hitchcock, who was the highest-polling councillor in the election with 2038 votes, has been named chair of a new Strategy and Operations Committee.
Under the recommendation in the agenda for next week’s first council meeting, the committee would have wide-ranging delegated authority to handle issues including parking controls outside of community board areas, consider whether bylaws are working, as well as some decision-making. It could also refer matters to a community board or another committee and develop and agree strategy, plans and policy for consultation.
"I’m really happy with the position I’ve got within the team.’’ Hitchcock said.
The new mayor and councillors will be sworn in next Wednesday, and Holdom said his eight-year-old daughter Alyssa was keen to hang the chains around his neck.
‘‘The chains are normally put around his neck by the chief executive,’’ Jordan explained. ‘‘He’s got no show.’’
In Stratford, incumbent mayor Neil Volzke said he still hadn’t decided on a deputy mayor as he still had a few councillors to talk to.
South Taranaki mayor Phil Nixon is set to announce his deputy at today’s swearing-in ceremony.