CHRIS Doohan, a first-term Port Stephens councillor and staunch supporter of mayor Bruce MacKenzie, was last Tuesday night elected as the new deputy mayor.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Cr Doohan, voted on to the council in 2012, was elected unopposed for the next 12 months.
He replaces fellow Central Ward councillor Steve Tucker, who recently announced he had stepped down as president of the Port Stephens Liberal Party.
"I am proud to have contributed to flying the Port Stephens flag at the many events and gatherings where I have represented the council on behalf of the mayor," Cr Tucker said.
"The council is performing well, both financially and in its service-delivery role, and doesn't need the distractions of party politics."
Cr Tucker described his successor as an "intelligent free thinker with a great sense of fair play".
Cr Doohan, a resident of Medowie and former Defence member now working with BAE at Williamtown, said he was looking forward to a greater involvement in the community.
"I feel very proud to serve on this council, which is doing a fantastic job," he said.
Cr Doohan has led the push for a Medowie Sports and Recreation Club, and is passionate about improving infrastructure, roads and providing job opportunities for locals. He did not rule out the possibility of one day standing for mayor.
