She was elected at an extraordinary council meeting called on Monday after the sudden death of former mayor John McMahon.

With eight councillors voting, Cr Sajowitz was elected with four votes, Cr Kerry Gibbons received three votes and there was one informal vote.

Oberon Council has a verbal agreement with Minister for Local Government Paul Toole that Oberon will not have to have a by-election and can operate with eight councillors.

Cr Sajowitz was first elected to Council on September 18, 2012.

“Whilst I am grateful to my fellow councillors for their support in the mayoral election, I realise I have a big chair to fill. John McMahon was highly regarded and well respected and will be sorely missed,” Cr Sajowitz said.

“My style might be different but I want to assure the community that my commitment will not be less.

“Working as the Mayor of Oberon will be a learning curve but I believe I have the ability to do a good job, especially with such a great team working alongside me.

“I enjoy a good relationship with deputy mayor Cr Kerry Gibbons and, with a melding of our strengths, plus the support of all our councillors, who have diverse talents, we will as a council do our very best to produce good outcomes for the Oberon community.

“Of course we could not function without our great team of dedicated, hard-working staff both in administration and outdoor staff. 

“I have always been inclusive and believe everyone’s opinion matters. I support democratic, transparent and honest governance at all levels and have a strong interest in community issues.

“We need to build cultural capital which will in turn engage all facets of the Oberon community and, by default, will attract new residents. 

“While good, well-maintained infrastructure – including our road network – is a priority, the social fabric of a town is no less important.

“Oberon is a great town with an vibrant, engaged community. 

“Oberon, along with most NSW local councils, faces some challenges in the Fit For the Future process.

“We have submitted a strong proposal to remain as a stand-alone council and we are well equipped to be sustainable into the future.

“Broadly, it’s all about using the ratepayers’ dollar judiciously and to the best advantage, working efficiently and thinking outside the square.” 

Cr Sajowitz said some issues she plans to work on are to retain Meals on Wheels for  Oberon, ensuring Oberon is sustainable into the future by meeting required state government benchmarks, promoting tourism and attracting new business enterprises, addressing the issue of non rateable land in our LGA, and addressing the issues that affect our extensive road network.

NSW’s annual council mayoral elections are due in September 2015.