By Corey Everitt
Mayor Jack Kowarzik hopes he won’t be going anywhere from council after his first term as mayor finishes later this year, announcing his intention to run in October’s council elections.
Kowarzik was elected in 2020 for the Pakenham Hills Ward, a role he said is a ‘great privilege’ that he wishes to continue.
“I’ve decided, with the support of my family, that I’ll be running for re-election in October,” he said.
“I consider being an elected leader of the community I grew up in as a great privilege, and I genuinely love the role.
“Coming to the end of my first term as a councillor, and currently serving as mayor of Cardinia Shire, I believe I’m in a good place to continue to represent and strongly advocate on behalf of our community.”
Serving as mayor has only emphasised the numerous challenges that face this rapidly growing shire.
Tackling these issues is something he wishes to be a part of if the community wishes for him to lead once more.
“My wife and I have chosen to raise our kids here and I’m really proud of where we live, but we do have big challenges facing our shire,” he said.
“We continue to see rates of family violence that are some of the highest in the state, our council has significant financial constraints and increased demand on services arising from being a growth area, and our residents are facing a cost of living crisis.
“There are also a number of new infrastructure projects and upgrades to our road networks that are sorely needed. I hope to continue to have a chance to provide positive leadership and be that local voice for our community.”
Mayor Kowarzik joins Cr Owen, Cr Davies and Cr Springfield of the current councillors who at this stage have announced their intention to run again in the 2024 council elections.
