Saint John councillors selected a deputy mayor Monday night.
Actually, they selected two.
In a break with tradition, the council will switch deputies halfway through the term.
Mayor Donna Reardon said historically council would have a single deputy mayor serve through the four-year term.
After the previous municipal election, councillors could put their names forward for the role and be chosen by secret ballot.
This time, though, Reardon requested something new.
“I’m going to ask for a suspension of the procedural bylaw and I’d like to ask Coun. John MacKenzie to be the deputy for the first two years of the term,” Reardon said. “And I’d like to ask Coun. (Gary) Sullivan to be the deputy for the second two years.”
Councillors were unanimous in approving the choices, both veteran councillors.
MacKenzie was the deputy during the last term.
“It’s an honour to be selected and continue serving as deputy mayor,” he said in a statement.
Sullivan said he’s proud to have served in a variety of roles in his 14 years on council.
“I look forward to adding deputy mayor to that list starting in 2028,” he said.
