Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Brunker To Step In As Mayor While Willcox Away

Mayor Andrew Willcox has taken a leave of absence to “ensure there is no conflict of interest, perceived or real” while he vies for the seat of Dawson at the federal election on May 21.

He addressed his councillors and constituents in an open letter at Council’s ordinary meeting last Wednesday, indicating that with his selection as Liberal candidate for Dawson in the federal election, he would step aside.

As Deputy Mayor, Michael Brunker will fill the role of acting Mayor in Mayor Willcox’s stead.

Councillor Brunker’s position as Deputy Mayor was due to end on April 14 as part of the rotational nature of the office, which had previously been decided in April 2020, and has now been amended.

The amendment removed the concept of a rotating Deputy Mayor and extended Councillor Brunker’s term until such a time as Mayor Willcox returns to the role of Mayor, or another person takes the Oath of Office for the position should Mayor Willcox succeed and become our Federal Member.

“If Mayor Willcox comes back to Council, I would then resign as Deputy Mayor and council would select a new deputy mayor,” acting Mayor Brunker said.

“All we know is he’s going to come back, or he’s going to leave.”

Councillors voted on the decision to amend the rotational role, as well as whether Councillor Brunker would remain Deputy Mayor for the remainder of the federal campaign.

Councillor Michelle Wright said with the encroaching council budget “the need for stability, continuity and experienced leadership during that period is essential.”

Councillor Brunker was previously Bowen Shire Mayor and Whitsunday Region Mayor for a combined 22 years. He also ran for the seat of Dawson all the way back in 2010 for the Labor party.

Three councillors voted against the motion: Councillors Jan Clifford, Al Grundy, and Gary Simpson, splitting the vote, and the acting deputy mayor, Michael Brunker, broke the tie with a casting vote.

Councillor Brunker will act as Mayor until around May 25 - the current date of the earliest council meeting post federal election. Councillors will then vote on a new Deputy Mayor for the period of 12 months.

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