Rumors around the position of Deputy Mayor
Lately, there has been a great deal of discussion around the position of Deputy Mayor. Many people are trying to figure out if Stephen Chase will be the Deputy Mayor. There have been rumors that Ivan Court does not want this; but, could he actually pick someone else?
On February 12th, 2008, the following motion was passed by Council:
11.6 - Position of Deputy Mayor
On motion of Deputy Mayor Hooton
Seconded by Councillor Chase
RESOLVED that the current system of electing the Deputy Mayor which is the election of the Councillor who receives the most votes in the municipal election be maintained.
Question being taken the motion was carried
The important thing to note is that everyone on Common Council voted in favor of this motion, including Ivan Court.
This motion clearly shows that Stephen Chase will be the deputy mayor when he is sworn in for this new Council term.
Any changes to this position would require a motion to be made in the next session; but, would this be a motion that the people support? Since Stephen was elected with the most votes (even more votes then than Ivan himself), he has demonstrated his support with the people in this city.
I can’t see any motion to remove him being successful.
Posted in Saint John Politics |
May 16th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
The Deputy Mayor has always been decided as being the Councillor who receives the most votes. Since Stephen Chase received even more votes than our new mayor did, it would stand to reason that he would be the logical choice.
This should make for some interesting times, since Stephen Chase and Ivan Court have very different views on many issues!
May 16th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I believe these are nothing but rumours to discredit Ivan Court. Stephen Chase deserves to be deputy mayor and I’m sure Ivan will not oppose it.Everyone opposed to Ivan mentions that over 60%voted against him. I am sure he would have won in a two person race against any of the other four candidates. 36%of the vote is great in a five person race.
May 19th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
In response to the 36%, it wasn’t a two person race and 36% doesn’t represent a majority now does it? So the other percentage must have thought there was someone better than Mr.Court. As to the question of Mr. Chase if there’s a change in the process than we’ll really know its back to the “old boy network” won’t we.
It seems to me that Saint John is in need of some new thinking and time to be rid of the kind of thinking that assumes that no one else but them ” politicians” can think.
June 17th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Well it’s still an Old Boys’ club no matter which way you look at it though, isn’t it ?