By DANIELLE GALVIN AND NICOLE WILLIAMS
CARDINIA Shire councillors are off and racing in the battle for the mayor’s robes.
Councillors will come together on 11 November to vote on who will be mayor in 2014, with two contenders already putting their hands up six weeks out from the ballot.
Cr Kate Lempriere and Cr Collin Ross confirmed to the Gazette that they would be vying for the top job, while other councillors chose not to comment on their intentions.
Mayor Brett Owen said he had thoroughly enjoyed his year as mayor but would not be nominating again.
“It has been a fantastic year, but it’s a big role and I would like to spend more time with my young family,” he said.
Central Ward Councillor Collin Ross, who put his hand up for the role last year, says he will be nominating.
“After many residents have asked me when I am going to be mayor, I will nominate this year,” he said.
“I feel humbled to have nearly 6000 residents who have confidence and trust in me for voting me in for the second term.”
Cr Ross said he felt he had the experience and knowledge to honour the position and serve the community.
“Having worked in the shire for 21 years and having lived here for 16 years, my wife and I have enjoyed raising our children in the fast-growing community here.
“I feel very passionate about this diverse and dynamic shire.”
Former mayor and Central Ward Councillor Kate Lempriere joked that she would be voting for herself, but that whoever took on the role would learn the ropes.
“I will be putting my hand up – I have been there before and I do love Cardinia,” she said.
“I believe that experience says a lot.”
Cr Lempriere said there were a number of factors that determined the mayoral vote, including popularity or political leanings.
“I think that we need someone with experience,” she said.
“I voted for Brett as he was to be the young face of Cardinia.
“But we also have a senior population in Cardinia and I think that I can represent both.”
Cr Lempriere said arts would be on her agenda as it was an area that was “ignored” by the council.
Port Ward Councillor Graeme Moore said he was not ‘100 per cent’ certain if he would run for mayor.
He said he was trying to ‘tie up’ his business concerns before he decided whether to run.
“So they do not have any implications if I do run,” he said.
But in the meantime, Cr Owen as current mayor had his full support.
“The mayor of the moment has got all my support,” he said.
“I am continuing to support him as mayor and support the ward.”
Ranges Ward councillor Tania Baxter said she didn’t think 2014 would be her year for mayor but wouldn’t entirely rule it out.
“I won’t say yes or no,” she said.
“I think you will see the usual faces in the line-up.”
Cr Baxter is hoping to introduce the position of Deputy Mayor for outgoing mayors.
“I am looking into putting that up,” she said.
“There is a lot of new blood and this would allow those with less experience to draw on that experience.”
Fellow Ranges Ward Councillor Leticia Wilmot said it was unlikely she would run for mayor, while Cr George Blenkhorn would only say there had been some discussions about who would nominate.
