Smith elected to deputy role

Rockingham City Council went back to the future last week when it elected the City’s first mayor to the council’s deputy mayor position.

Baldivis ward councillor Richard Smith, who served as mayor between 1988 and 1991, will join Barry Sammels in leading the City for the next two years.

At a special council meeting last Monday, Cr Smith told elected members he would volunteer to stand in for any councillor on any committee and spoke of his commitment to a long-term waste management plan for the City.

“I come to this role with ideas about what I want to do — the deputy mayor’s role is not a succession planning choice and requires someone willing, capable and experienced,” he said. “I am looking forward to working with the two members of council, the new Baldivis councillor Matthew Whitfield and also my son Justin Smith, who will be representing Comet Bay Ward.”

Cr Smith beat Safety Bay councillors Deb Hamblin and Ron Pease for the position.

Before the vote, Cr Hamblin said she wanted to continue in the role as deputy mayor to encourage younger people to be engaged with local government. Cr Pease received two votes, Cr Hamblin three and Cr Smith won with five votes.

Cr Sammels was uncontested for the top job and thanked constituents for their support.

He said he did not take the role for granted and was pleased to continue to work for the future of Rockingham.