The council was hit by the resignation of Mayor Roger Broomhall and the loss of general manager Andrew Macnish just one day apart.

The events occurred about two weeks out from the local government elections.

Acting mayor Bridget Archer said she felt ‘‘overwhelmingly positive’’ about the situation.

‘‘After the meeting the other day, it’s the most proactive in decision-making I’ve seen the council in the last five years,’’ she said.

She said the new council would appoint the next general manager.

In the meantime, corporate services director Kim Barker will act in the role.

‘‘There were quite a lot of candidates for the position, so we’re not worried there won’t be candidates out there,’’ Cr Archer said.

George Town Chamber of Commerce president Alan Golley said a candidate forum last Thursday was attended by about 100 residents and was mostly positive.

He said the community seemed enthusiastic about appointing a new council and moving forward with a clean slate.

‘‘While there was obviously a few people bringing up things from the past, the general mood was positive about the future,’’ Mr Golley said.

‘‘Even with the turmoil last week, everyone feels very positive.’’

Mr Golley said the chamber hoped for a council with ‘‘stability, drive and obviously a bit of positivity about the future’’.