Controversy looms over deputy mayor

BOGOR (JP): Leading councilors here have been split over a proposal to appoint a deputy mayor.

Head of the city council's commission D for regional development affairs John Lahay said on Wednesday the city was in need of a deputy mayor due to the myriad of problems shouldered by the mayor.

"Many problems which could not be handled by the mayor will be taken over by his deputy," John said.

The city administration unveiled a year-end plan to elect a deputy mayor. John said the council had yet to decide upon the proposal.

A Bogor mayor has so far has three regional assistants.

Separately, John's counterpart from commission E for economic affairs Eman Sulaeman said there was no need to appoint a deputy mayor as the mayor so far could carry out all his tasks.

"Everything has been running smoothly without the presence of a deputy mayor," he said.

He suggested that the city administration delay the election for another three years, when the current mayor's term ends. (21/04)