According to Facebook, Cr Russell - “Rusty” - Fitzpatrick enjoyed a Birthday last Saturday.
Whether one of life’s little anniversaries will tempt the Deputy Mayor to chance his luck & pursue the top job at council at this week’s Mayoral Election remains to be seen.
The association believes that if the former bank clerk, publican & member of everything is willing to pursue the role of Mayor, the performance of council is bound to improve in the short term under his leadership.
While the association believes that while all councillors could improve their knowledge & understanding of council’s financial affairs for the benefit of ratepayers, Cr Fitzpatrick at least demonstrates a working knowledge of such matters.
At the same time, as Cr Fitzpatrick clearly demonstrated at the last ordinary meeting of council, when the current Mayor was absent, that he certainly knows how to chair a meeting.
His capacity to effectively manage a council meeting was obvious. He was focused on the agenda, while making sure that the views of all councillors were heard, discipline was maintained & business was addressed efficiently & effectively.
The association is not sure if Cr Tapscott will seek to retain the Mayoralty but would be disappointed were she to do so.
Based on her public comments on council’s finances, the association believes that Cr Tapscott does not possess the financial acumen necessary to lead council though its current series of financial challenges, nor to unite council in support of a common purpose.
At the same time, the association believes that Cr Tapscott is one of a number of divisive figures within the current elected council who have prevented it from operating as a cohesive & effective group, focused entirely on serving the best interests of all residents & ratepayers.
Over the past four years, both Cr Fitzpatrick & Cr Tapscott, as well as the other elected councillors, have had an opportunity to demonstrate their leadership capabilities to residents & ratepayers.
The association believes that when it came to concerns about council’s financial management & performance in recent months, Cr Fitzpatrick showed both a willingness & capability to address the issues when others, including Cr Tapscott, attempted to downplay or even on occasion to dismiss those concerns.
The association believes that Cr Fitzpatrick is well respected by his fellow councillors & is best placed to unite the council with him as Mayor.
Of course, it may well be that “Rusty” will choose to keep his powder dry & not seek the support of his fellow councillors for the position of Mayor.
The association believes that would be contrary to the best interests of residents & ratepayers
Likewise the pressure of council’s financial challenges might be sufficient to deter Cr Tapscott from seeking re-election, in particular as last year she flagged her intention to not even contest the next council election.
The association can only hope that residents & ratepayers will finally get lucky this week & wind-up with a Mayor who will put the best interests of residents & ratepayers ahead of their own personal ambitions.
John Richardson
Secretary/Treasurer
Bega Valley Shire Residents & Ratepayers Association
Tel: 0264945669
Email: secretary@begavalleyshireratepayers.asn.au
Website: http://www.begavalleyshireratepayers.asn.au