ORANGE councillor Neil Jones declined a committee chair position after initially accepting it at Thursday’s council meeting.
Cr Jones accepted the position of chair of the Environment and Economic Development Committee, however on Friday he rejected the job.
He said he turned down the position because he wanted to make it clear he was independent of in-council politics.
“Often you can be accused of accepting positions for allegiances,” he said.
“I wanted to make it clear I am totally independent of any groups on council.”
Cr Reg Kidd said Cr Jones’ statement was ludicrous.
“That is absolute gobbeldy-gook,” he said.
“Neil and all of us should chair groups.”
Cr Kidd said a chairman could still vote however they wanted.
“It doesn’t mean you’re showing allegiances,” he said.
“I have been on council 21 years and what he is saying is absolutely incorrect.”
Cr Jones said he had warned councillors not to nominate him as chair for any committee prior to the meeting.
He said he accepted the position on the night because he didn’t have time to think about his decision.
“In the bizarre way the meeting progressed it all happened so quickly,” he said.
“I immediately took steps to decline that position.”
Cr Jones said there were people with better skills than him who could chair the committee.
The position will be filled at the next council meeting.
nicole.kuter@ruralpress.com