I have been Acting Mayor basically since the new Council came into being. I have been thrown headfirst into the role.

I chaired my first Council meeting on November 17 at Barrington Hall. Pretty happy with how it went. I have mentioned before my dislike for the formalities of these meetings. That said it went well. There was only one question from the gallery which was unusual.

I have had to deal with the media. I always fear being misquoted and are quite guarded. I have been happy with how I have been reported though with no real issues.

The phone rings a lot more when Acting Mayor. It seems many roads lead to the Mayor. I have lost no sleep in the role and have enjoyed it. I could not see myself in the role in the future because of the huge time commitment. Yes a small municipality but very complex with people feeling free to go straight to the mayor with a grievance or comment.

I have quit my contracting web design job to concentrate on being Deputy Mayor. I receive an allowance to be Deputy Mayor which offsets the loss of income.

The Mayor is slowly coming back on board and should be well and truly back at the helm in around a week. Looking forward to handing it back to him. He is one elected to the role. Many Deputy Mayors sit and wonder when there chance will come to fill in for the Mayor. I had no time to wonder and wouldn’t have it any other way.