Francis Richardson is the new Mayor of the Municipality of Meaford.

Mayor Richardson was officially appointed to the position at Monday night's regular council meeting after council passed a unanimous resolution.

Richardson was the Deputy Mayor prior to this appointment. Councillor Cynthia Lemon brought forward the resolution making Richardson the new Mayor.

There has been much speculation in the community about who would become Mayor after the resignation of Wally Reif several weeks ago. As Deputy Mayor, Richardson was the obvious choice for the job and council agreed.

Richardson read and signed the declaration of office and he was presented the Chain of Office by Clerk Peggy Rouse.

"You don't want speeches at this time," said the new Mayor. "You want action and you want decisions made," he said.

Meaford's new Mayor thanked the public and council for the confidence that has been shown in his leadership. His inaugural address was brief and clear.

"My platform is (do) what's best for the municipality. The nails I use for that plank - to quote councillor Stephens - is respect," said Richardson.

The appointment of Richardson to the Mayor's chair created a flurry of subsequent activity at the council table. Mike Traynor was appointed the new Deputy Mayor. Former councillor and Deputy Mayor Harley Greenfield was plucked from the public gallery and appointed to a council seat (see related story).

Councillor Cynthia Lemon said she was pleased to be moving forward with a new Mayor, Deputy Mayor and two new councillors.

"I very much appreciate that there are four people that have renewed and reaffirmed their commitment to the municipality and I look forward to good times ahead," she said.

Newly appointed councillor Harley Greenfield said he was pleased to serve under Richardson's leadership.

"He will make an excellent leader of this council and community," he said.

After the meeting ended, Richardson said he was delighted with council's decision and was pleased to serve as the new Head of Council.

"I'm overwhelmed by the support. I'm excited to be able to get to work directly in this job," said Richardson, who has been Acting Mayor for several weeks. "It was great to be able to announce some good budget news tonight and hopefully there will be more to come," said Richardson.

The elevation of Richardson to the Mayor's chair was met with loud applause of approval from the large audience at the meeting Monday night. There will be little time for the new Mayor to celebrate his promotion.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, he chaired all-day budget meetings as council wrestles with the 2008 budget and the financial difficulties that must be solved.