Northern Midlands mayor David Downie has revealed he will not recontest his position within the council during this week’s meeting.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A longstanding figure within the council and community, Councillor Downie has served on the council for 32 years, with seven years as deputy mayor before his recent stint as mayor.
Councillor Downie said he had been thinking over his role since he began the process of nominating for the October election, but made the decision pretty quickly.
“That really zeroes you in on making the decision,” he said.
“I only actually decided during the meeting.”
The decision came from a feeling of having achieved or set in motion much of what he wanted to in the role, Councillor Downie said.
It was also a decision to focus more on his life outside of local government.
“I’m a farmer and have things that I want to do there.”
Councillor Dick Adams, elected in 2014 after a long run in both state and federal politics, announced he would be running for mayor in a statement this morning.
Councillor Adams had been considering nominating for the deputy mayor position, but Councillor Downie’s announcement caused him to reconsider.
“I think we were all dumbfounded by the announcement and I have had to rethink my strategy,” he said.
“David has done an excellent job, taking on the battles of TasWater and also been instrumental in achieving a dialogue with Bishop Condie on the sale of many country churches,” he said.
“I believe he has helped the Northern Midlands very much and personally, I thank him for his hard work and commitment over 32 years in local government.
“This took a lot out of his home life and I guess that he has now got other things that he wishes to do.”
Get your morning dose of what’s happening around the region with The Examiner’s daily email newsletter. Sign up here.