Coun. Harjinder Nijjar was appointed deputy mayor at Monday night’s virtual Stratford city council meeting.
Deputy Mayor Nijjar brings to the role over 25 years in IT management. During his election campaign he told StratfordToday that his leadership approach would make him a good fit for city council.
"To me a leader is a coach helping the team succeed,” he said.
The newly elected councillor was nominated by Coun. Brad Beatty and will serve for a two year term, ending on Nov. 14, 2024.
The deputy mayorship was originally supposed to be appointed during a previous city council meeting on Nov. 28; however, was pushed back to explore voting possibilities.
As was discussed at the meeting on Nov. 28, many of the councillors described the open voting process as ‘awkward' considering they would be voting (or not voting) publicly for colleagues.
Coun. Mark Hunter highlighted that since they are just starting a new term, and many are new councillors, it isn’t the best way to start a working relationship.
As noted in the report prepared by staff for last night's meeting, the Municipal Act does not permit a meeting to be closed for the sole purpose of voting in a deputy mayor. Staff recommended appointing a deputy mayor in open session, which council did.
Coun. Nijjar was nominated after Coun. Jo-Dee Burbach was nominated by Coun. Bonnie Henderson, but unable to get enough votes to achieve the appointment.
StratfordToday reached out to Deputy Mayor Nijjar for comment on his appointment, though did not hear back in time for publication.
