By Laura Michell
Hume council has reappointed chief executive Domenic Isola for another four years, despite one councillor claiming he was “too comfortable” in the role and that it was time for a change.
Cr Jodi Jackson urged her colleagues to reappoint Mr Isola for just two years.
“Some would – and often do – argue that we are overdue for a change,” she said.
“Mr Isola has been part of this organisation for over 20 years, he is practically part of the furniture.
“I think that Mr Isola is possibly a little bit too comfortable now, and my observation … [is] the relationship that the councillors have with the CEO is too close … to be as objective as required when reviewing his performance.
“I regret to report that I have often heard very negative comments about the CEO from all over the municipality.”
But the nine other councillors who attended the July 27 meeting threw their support behind Mr Isola, who has been at the helm of the council since August 2007.
Cr Jack Medcraft described Mr Isola as “ one of the best CEOs in Victoria”, adding that he was highly-regarded by his peers.
“Going back a few years, council was in a broke situation – we were basically bankrupt. And now, look at us, we are possibly one of the most successful councils in the whole of Victoria,” he said.
“We have only got to look around at councils like Whittlesea and others to see what can happen if you don’t have the ship in the right direction.”
Cr Leigh Johnston said he believed Mr Isola was the second-longest serving council chief executive in Victoria at the moment.
“I have worked under a lot of leaders and managers … and I’ve got to say I’ve only ever seen Mr Isola as an ultimate professional.
“I believe the stability, particularly through these COVID times … is crucial for the council moving forward.”
