ANNA Speedie is Wodonga's new mayor, securing the role in a 4-3 vote over former civic leader John Watson.
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She plans to be a full-time mayor, having "several weeks ago" resigned as general manager at the Albury Wodonga Community College.
"I decided that it was time to move on and then the timing was just in coincidence to this," Cr Speedie said.
Her elevation to the $75,500 position comes after 10 years as a councillor.
"It's a huge honour to represent your community, not only as a councillor but as mayor," Cr Speedie said.
"It's a big role, it takes a lot of time, commitment, energy and effort, sometimes away from your family, but it's something I'm really excited about."
Cr Speedie and Cr Watson voted for themselves with the former backed by Rodney Wangman, Mike Fraser and Eric Kerr and the latter supported by Lisa Mahood and Mark Byatt.
No deputy mayor was appointed.
Cr Speedie said she was keen to oversee the expansion of the Logic industrial hub, the redevelopment of High Street and the progress of Junction Place.
Asked about delays related to leasing at the Mann Central development, she said there was no place for council intervention.
"It's a private sector development and the private sector operates as the private sector must, council has done everything in its power to enable the development," Cr Speedie said.
Wodonga's fourth female mayor described the city as having an "incredibly generous and passionate community".
"I love the fact that my little girl still at the age of 13 can be a little girl," Cr Speedie said.
"She can play in the street with her friends safely, you know your neighbours and it is quick and easy to get everywhere.
"We have lots of opportunities, there's jobs, there's shops, there's terrific parks, there's great bike riding.
"We have the best of everything and I have been fortunate enough to live in lots of parts of the world and I chose to come and live here and bring up my child here because I believe that she has the greatest opportunities and the greatest lifestyle."
Cr Speedie paid tribute to her mayoral predecessor Rodney Wangman, who was also first elected to council in 2005 and was her boss at the college, in her acceptance speech.
"Rod your capacity and your dedicated hard work over the last two years has been monumental and the community is all the better for having you served," Cr Speedie said.
She told The Border Mail she planned to stand for re-election in next year's council election for a further four-year term.
