I attended a
meeting on Friday with five of the other six councillors. The purpose of the
meeting was to discuss with each other our areas of interest in relation to
Council’s committees and working parties. There are forty-five such
appointments across thirty committees. These are to be divided up between the
seven councillors so it makes sense to ensure that we are appointed to
committees that interest and engage us. It also made sense not to have to do it
at the Council meeting, thus ensuring the public did not have to sit through
the discussions and life stories which informed our choices.
What was
gratifying was that everyone worked in such a co-operative fashion. The three
ALP councillors, two independents and one Liberal all bent over backwards to
ensure that everyone had a fair crack at every position. The more high profile
positions were shared about and I have the impression that everyone walked away
from the meeting satisfied.
It was
unfortunate that Clr Rankin was unable to attend. He will find it especially
unfortunate when he realises he has been nominated for everything no one else
wanted or was able to accept. Enjoy your twenty-seven committees Paul!
This was not
caucusing in action. No decisions were taken. Nothing is firm. It was merely an
indicative process that allows the business of the Council to be conducted in a
timely fashion when we meet on Tuesday evening.
