By Afraa Kori
Jack Kowarzik has been re-elected for a rare second-consecutive term as mayor while new councillor Alanna Pomeroy broke down in tears after being elected as deputy mayor.
Both were elected for a one-year term during a formal ceremony on Monday 25 November at the Cardinia Shire Council chambers.
Mayor Kowarzik is incredibly grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as mayor again, promising to build on the momentum in his second term.
“Thank you to my fellow councillors. It’s an honour to have the support and trust of my colleagues, and I’m really looking forward to coming together as a team and putting some collective words on the board for our community. I want to begin by thanking my wife, my kids, and all of my family,” he said.
“I want to again thank the people of Pakenham and the Pakenham Hills Ward for having faith in me and re-electing one of their own. I also want to congratulate my councillor colleagues on their election wins, and I acknowledge the outgoing councillors from the previous term and recognise them for their contributions.
“I’m really looking forward to working closely with our community again, continuing to build on those relationships. My focus for the next 12 months will be on engaging with and listening to our community, and most importantly, delivering.”
Mayor Kowarzik said the decision to run consecutively was partly due to factors of his work as a small business owner and he said he will not seek to be mayor again or deputy mayor for the rest of this council term.
Despite being new to the game, Deputy Mayor Alanna Pomeroy is ready to take on the big role.
“I’m looking forward to working with Mayor Kowarzik and understanding how to best support him to help support our community. The community can expect someone that is committed to community and really listening and understanding in the development of the council plan how the community wants the council to lead over the next four years.”
