KIAMA is set to have a new mayor come September, with incumbent Brian Petschler declaring he won’t re-contest election.
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After a 50-year-plus career in local government, Cr Petschler has announced that he will not be nominating for a further term on council at the September 10 poll.
Cr Petschler, 73, said it was a bittersweet decision, but after a period of deliberation was pleased to have made a call regarding his future.
“It’s time to move on and new blood to come in,” Cr Petschler said.
“I would like to say thank you to this wonderful municipal community for giving me the opportunity of serving as a councillor for the past eight years, the last four of which I have been the mayor.
“It has been an honour and a privilege.
“I will leave council with a great deal of satisfaction, having watched the extraordinary community response to the recent merger proposal.
”Without the community support and the excellent submissions made by so many of our residents, saving our unique area would have been impossible.”
Cr Petschler said Kiama council has shown that its financial future is secure.
“It can look forward to a bright future,” he said.
“The transformation of the hospital site into an Aged Care Centre of Excellence is proceeding and a number of other major initiatives are close to commencement.
“I thank the councillors with whom I have served for their commitment to our area.
“I also thank councillor Warren Steel, the deputy mayor, who has provided me with great support and am pleased to recognise the work of the general manager, Michael Forsyth, his senior officers and all the staff of the council who continue to serve this community so well.”
Cr Petschler was general manager of Kiama council for 15 years, from 1986 to 2001.
He was also the first male mayor of Kiama since 1991.
“I have had a long career in local government, stretching back to 1962 and have seen enormous change in that period,” he said.
“It has been a rewarding experience. I hope that there will be a strong field of nominations from which our community can choose the right independent representatives to lead our council into its future.”
Cr Petschler said he would be supporting fellow councillor Mark Honey’s team in the upcoming election.
Cr Honey’s team also includes Mark Westhoff, David Munro, Carmel Goldsmith and Barry Wilson.
“The members of that team represent a balanced, independent and experienced group with a wide range of backgrounds to provide the needed service for the municipality’s future,” Cr Petschler said.