Chief to stay on

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
GLENN Patterson has been asked to stay on as the Yarra Ranges Council chief executive officer.
The decision was made at last week’s council meeting to extend Mr Patterson’s four year term, set to end in July, for another four years without formally advertising the position.
Councillors were unanimous in their vote on Tuesday and said Mr Patterson had shown he understands the issues and needs of the community.
Councillor Len Cox said the fact that Mr Patterson was in charge of nearly 850 staff and had to liaise with nine councillors showed he has done a good job.
“The CEO in local government has to be a bit of a split personality with one foot in the camp of his staff and the other in the camp of the councillors,” he said.
“It isn’t always an easy job but I’m confident… to think he’s done a great job over the last three and a bit years.”
Cr Tim Heenan said it wasn’t often the appointment of a CEO was supported by every councillor, but the 2008 council was unanimous in its decision, and the same message was shown last week.