Understanding the complex matters involved in council proceedings must be difficult enough for a first time alderman. Really understanding what is required of a mayor, who has little or no first hand knowledge of such things will be a huge task. Anyone who has ever been on a council will tell you this.

Ms Pinson no doubt has had a great deal of training and experience in running a business and of being a leader but the job of becoming a first time mayor is an entirely different situation. 

I believe that a by-election for mayor, which favours the election of those not already on council (e.g. the fear of another by-election) is ridiculous, for the above reasons.

Brian H Barry

Port Macquarie