Former Otorohanga Mayor Dale Williams has been unanimously elected Carterton District Council’s deputy mayor by fellow councillors.
At the council’s inaugural meeting yesterday, Mayor Ron Mark announced Williams was his nomination for the position.
Williams was first elected to Carterton District Council in last year’s by-election and has an extensive background in local government.
He started in local politics as a member of the Otorohanga Community Board in 1995 and served as the town’s mayor from 2004 until his retirement in 2013.
At yesterday’s council meeting, Williams said that between Mayor Ron Mark and himself, “I think we’ve got over 50 years of community leadership and service experience between us”.
“As unique as that is, and even as impressive as that might sound, it actually means very little unless we can keep continuing to make impressionable differences for the people of Carterton district.”
As deputy mayor, my focus is going to be to support His Worship the Mayor, council, and Geoff [chief executive Geoff Hamilton] and his team to help Carterton District Council be the most economical, efficient, and effective council it can possibly be.”
Williams thanked the community and his family for their support.
“You know the person I am; you know how I conduct myself.
“I can absolutely assure you that I won’t drop the ball, and I won’t let you down.”
In his 2022 candidate statement, Williams said there were many challenges and changes ahead for local government, “and Carterton needs councillors with cool heads, clear thinking, open minds, and common sense, to put in the time and work hard to make decisions that matter.”
Williams brings extensive experience in business, local government, community service, governance and management, and representing communities and rural people.
Masterton’s Deputy Mayor Bex Johnson and South Wairarapa’s Deputy Mayor Melissa Sadler-Futter were also confirmed yesterday.–NZLDR
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