Re-elected: Councillors Brian Wakefield, Melisa Hederics and Ian Whitfield.Picture: Luke Birch
TWO former councillors who were keen to lead Wentworth Shire Council have lost their seats at the weekend’s election.
Cr Mark King – who has given 12 years to council – and Cr Bill Brook – who has just completed his first term – were ousted by newly elected candidates Peter Nunan, Bob Wheeldon and Paul Cohrs in what was deemed a “close election” between the bottom five.
Crs King and Brook yesterday admitted their disappointment, but said they had accepted the ratepayers’ decision.
Gaye Lamb also missed out on being elected.
Of the 3212 votes received by New South Wales Electoral Commission, 3044 were eligible for counting.
Melisa Hederics, Brian Wakefield, Ian Whitfield, Brad Clarke, Don McKinnon and Bill Wheeldon were re-elected.
Cr McKinnon, who was mayor for 11 consecutive years and has served 21 years on council, said he was pleased with the overall results.
“It’s turned out pretty good from our group’s point-of-view, hopefully now we can get on with the job with a fresh council and get some things done,” he said.
“I think it’s a workable group there, we can use all of their talents and I’m hopeful we can come up with some good results.”
Of the nine councillors to be sworn in at council’s next meeting on October 3, at least two are interested in the mayoral role.
Cr McKinnon has already called fellow councillors to gauge support.
“I’ve rang around and they have indicated that they will (vote for me) – that’s politics, you’ve always got to consider that before you attempt anything,” he said.
Cr Whitfield said he made the decision to possibly stand after the surprise ousting of Crs King and Brook.
“In my opinion, over the last four years, both of those councillors did a fantastic job. Mark’s knowledge on how council was run was very impressive,” he said.
“And Bill Brook was my running partner, I’m very disappointed he missed out, he has a very good business background and he’s a very knowledgeable man.
“Since the two people who were going to run have now not made council, other things need to be considered.
“I’ll need to discuss it with the other councillors and nothing’s going to be discounted at this stage.”
Cr Wakefield, who has previously been deputy mayor, said he was “undecided” about running for mayor, but would discuss it with fellow councillors this week.
For more of this story, purchase your copy of Monday's Sunraysia Daily 17/09/2012.