I note with concern that Hilltops Councillors have not seen fit to offer a new contract to the current General Manager, Anthony McMahon. In putting himself forward for a new 5 year contract Anthony was committing his family to living in Boorowa and making use of the services in the region and his children attending the local schools. I further note that while those Councillors opposing the motion that Anthony not be offered a new contract have had their names recorded, those that feel we need a new General Manager have NOT had the courage to record their names.
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As a Councillor on the late Boorowa Council I had the pleasure of working with Anthony, in his roles of Assistant General Manager and then General Manager. I have seldom had the pleasure of working with a more competent and committed person on a range of challenging issues. If I could voice any criticism of Anthony it would be that he is over committed to meeting the needs of the community.
I understand that his role during the Administration period has attracted some criticism from the ill-informed, including an opinionated nonentity on radio. I also believe that the rudest man, a Councillor, in the Hilltops region, will be waging his usual battles with Council staff. And I know Anthony has had some issues with his health (surely to pick on them is totally un-Australian).
Having said that we now have a new organisational structure with staff in place, a new computer system is on the way, a functioning merged Council at the operational level and continuing representations to Government seeking additional funding for the true costs of the merger. And plans are in place to expend the balance of the $15M of the Stronger Communities Fund by 31st June 2019.
The best interests of the Hilltops surely cannot be served by having a General Manager focussed on finding a new position for the next 6 months (based on his qualifications and experience Anthony will have heaps of offers) followed by a tyro GM with questionable abilities in a learning curve for the following 6 months. During that time there is a new computer system to bed down, a shortfall of $2.5M+ in amalgamation costs to be resolved with Government, around $14M of Stronger Communities projects to be completed AND planning for a Council wide rating system to be undertaken. It seems to me that we need someone who knows the ropes to make these things happen.
Quite simply the impression I get is of a dysfunctional Council absent strong and cohesive leadership. A group of individuals more concerned about their egos than their community. While there seems to be a solid core of Councillors focused on the future they seem to be outnumbered by the grandstanding A type personalities.
Hilltops needs strong leadership by Council and management working together as a team. Councillors swallow your egos and invite Anthony McMahon to enter a new 5 year contract for the good of our community.
David Evans,
Ex Councillor, Boorowa