Wednesday 1 October 2008

Richie Williamson elected Clarence Valley Council mayor

In what appears to have been a vote by his fellow shire councillors which ran 6-3, Richie Williamson became the new Clarence Valley Council mayor on 30 September.


"The owner of 2GF in Grafton the station Mr Williamson works for has told Williamson's superiors any role beyond an ordinary councillor would require him to make a career choice. "Mr Williamson will be able to continue in (his) full time role as on-air breakfast announcer at 2GF and also fulfil (his) role as local councillor subject to agreement being reached on certain matters, including not standing for mayor," a spokesman for 2GF owner Bill Caralis said. "However (if Williamson) would want to seek the position of mayor, (he) would need to make a decision as to which career (he) would want to pursue."

It seems that Richie's political ambitions far exceed his desire to retain his media career.

However, it is possible that an attempt to dupe is afoot here - the spokesperson for Bill Caralis was careful not to rule out Richie being employed by 2GF in another capacity eg., consultant or program manager.

I think I can safely say that, not since Chris Gulaptis became mayor of the former Maclean Shire Council, has a Northern Rivers council so quickly run the risk of being marginalised by the poor choice of political 'friends' that a mayor has gathered around him.

A hint Richie - lose that meddlesome duo, Cansdell and Causley, quickly and ditch that MySpace page.

Having people tell the world that they think you are "a bit of a bitch" is not a good look for a mayor, nor is proudly advertising the lack of further educational achievement a potential turn-on for ministers and departments Clarence Valley Council will have to approach in the course of its sometimes complex business.

Photograph posted on MySpace

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