By BEN CAMERON
THREE failed candidates for Cardinia Shire’s Central Ward would accept Cr Collin Ross’s place if he claims the state seat of Gembrook in November.
The Gazette revealed last month that an incumbent would not be known until early January following a countback if Cr Ross wins at the 29 November election.
Cr Ross received the largest amount of first preference votes with 36.7 per cent in the 2012 council elections.
Mark Guinane, who received 4.7 per cent of first preference votes (731), said he would happily accept the position.
“Close, but not close enough,” he said of his 2012 performance.
Vanessa Van Gramberg, who claimed 2 per cent (310 votes), also said she would stand.
“I’m not going to count my chickens and I wish both candidates the best but it would be an honour to serve that role,” she said.
Geoff Jolly (4.5 per cent with 713 votes) said he was also ready to stand.
“We’ll just sit back and see what happens,” he said.
“I would definitely stand.”
Ed Chatwin (3.6 per cent with 571 votes) was cryptic.
“I do not reply to hypotheticals of this nature,” he said.
The Pakenham Gazette has been unable to contact James Maxwell, who attracted 6.8 per cent of the vote with 1064 votes.
VEC spokesperson Mary Sammut said it would be difficult to determine who would be elected based on who got the fifth highest number of votes.
“As it is, the votes for the vacating councillor are redistributed to unsuccessful candidates according to the voters’ preferences,” she said.
“A candidate who receives more than 50 per cent of the votes is declared elected.
“If no candidate receives more than 50 per cent of the vote, the candidate with the least votes is excluded and their votes are also redistributed.
“This process continues until a candidate can be declared elected.”
