Jenny Mountford resigns as Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes president

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Jenny Mountford resigns as Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes president

A Lower South West shire has been rocked with the news of its president’s resignation, 10 months out from the next election.

The Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes announced Jenny Mountford’s “out-of-the-blue” resignation from all council duties on Friday, which acting chief executive Arthur Kyron said he was advised of by text message Friday morning.

“It is a shock and it was out-of-the-blue but she was firm in her resolve,” Mr Kyron said.

“She said she weighed up what her priorities are in life and she’s now going to look after her health.

“It is a busy job. The end of year is a time for reflection and it’s not unusual for someone to make this decision.”

A special council meeting has been call for January 7 to determine the council’s future.

At the meeting councillors will need to determine an interim president to lead until the October election, and whether an extraordinary election should be held to fill the elected member vacancy.

“It is not unusual for a council to choose not to go through an extraordinary election — it’s an expensive, complicated process,” Mr Kyron said.

“It’s unlikely the position will be filled.”

Cr Sean Mahoney will act as president until an official selection is made by the eight remaining councillors, requiring an absolute majority vote.

“I haven’t known her for particularly long but I am impressed by her caring and compassionate nature, and how much she has given to the Bridgetown and Greenbushes communities,” Mr Kyron said.

“I am sad I won’t get to work with her over the next few months.”

In the shire’s resignation announcement, Ms Mountford was praised for her contributions to community engagement, development initiatives and partnerships.

Those included initiating the Jenny on the Bench program to improve communications between the shire and the community, and establishing the Partnering for the Future funding agreement with Talison Lithium — which has secured funding for local infrastructure improvements and community services.

In a

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post following the shire’s announcement, Ms Mountford — who served on the council for five years with more than half as president — thanked those who had sent messages on the announcement of her resignation.

“Whilst my time on council has been rewarding, I must honour my own decision to now take some time to rest after an all-consuming couple of years,” she said.

“Thank you for the wonderful support you have given me and for caring so much about the beautiful place we call home.”

Ms Mountford declined to answer further questions from the South Western Times.

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