Mayor, Afzul Rehman wants councillors to reflect on their purpose on the Executive Committee (Exco).
Using the opportunity of the first Exco meeting of 2016 earlier this month, Cllr Rehman expressed his intent to continue a role in establishing Newcastle as a model city.
“2016 begins with the knowledge that after May 17, our Exco will change.”
Local Government Elections take place this year, and Cllr Rehman is cognisant of the reality that new councillors will join Exco, and existing councillors could be put out to political pasture.
However, Cllr Rehman believes the current Exco is the most dynamic and of the highest calibre.
“In consolidation, since 2009 we saw the capital budget taken more seriously with this Exco, and today we bear the fruit of that. Many roads have been tarred, and we have seen great development of the town.”
Although much had been done in terms of growth, infrastructure and capital projects, Cllr Rehman urged Exco members to leave a legacy for incoming councillors later this year.
In closing, Cllr Rehman encouraged councillors to brave stormy weather ahead.
“I trust we still have a strong anchor of management who knows what must be done regardless.”
Later in the meeting, an additional item on the agenda proposed the draft budget be approved before the end of February, in order for due processes to be completed before the new Exco takes power.
The item was postponed to a meeting the next week, for consideration.
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