Knysna Executive Mayor Georlene Wolmarans (second from right) welcomes (from left to right) new Speaker Cllr Michelle Wasserman, new Deputy Executive Mayor Cllr Esmé Edge and new Chairperson Governance and Economic Development Committee Cllr Richard Dawson.

The Knysna Municipal Council today (12 February 2013) made three changes to accommodate the replacement of former Speaker Richard Dawson, who announced his intention to resign from the position last November.

At a Special Council Meeting this morning, former Deputy Executive Mayor and Chair of the Governance and Economic Development Committee, Councillor Michelle Wasserman, was appointed the new Speaker.

Proportional Representative and Chair of the Finance Committee, Ms Esmé Edge, was appointed the new Deputy Executive Mayor.

Mr Dawson remains Ward 10 councillor and takes the place of Councillor Wasserman as Chairperson of the Section 80 Committee for Governance and Economic Development.

Knysna Executive Mayor Georlene Wolmarans said the changes would slightly change the dynamic of Council but would in no way jeopardise its performance. “The persons in these positions continue to serve the people of Knysna according to the best of their abilities and remain committed to the town’s vision: Knysna, where people and nature prosper.

“I thank Mr Dawson for the services he rendered as Speaker and appreciate his continued involvement as Chairperson of the Governance and Economic Development Committee,” said Wolmarans.

It should be noted that Mr Dawson had announced in November that he would stand down at the end of February. However, to accommodate changes in the Mayoral Committee, as per request of the Executive Mayor, Mr Dawson has agreed to stand down earlier.

PS: Interesting that the new top 3 are the same 3 people who wouldn’t investigate Knysna Tourism when i approached them and, consequently, damaged our town economically.