SO the election of councillors to represent the community over the next four years has passed.
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We have a new team of nine councillors and the people of this shire live in hope that those councillors will take on their role as the representatives and the voice of the people who voted for them. Their new position is not and should never be used as a role for leveraging personal opportunity or power.
Sadly, the very first decision these councillors have to make is one that could easily become caught up in a game of politics and power: the election of mayor.
The best interests and expectations of the community should always be put first when councillors cast their votes for mayor and deputy mayor.
Several neighbouring (Group 4) local government areas including the Shoalhaven City and the Eurobodalla Shire Councils have a popularly elected mayor. It is a position voted on by the community as part of the Local Government election. The successful candidate is voted into the position by the people and serves a four year term in the leadership role.
However in the Wingecarribee Shire the decision on who will lead the team of nine councillors is determined by the councillors themselves with the successful candidate chosen to fill the position for a shorter term.
In the past term of council the mayor was elected each year but this has now changed to a two-year term.
The decision on who will become mayor of Wingecarribee Shire for the next two years will occur at the first meeting of the new council line-up on September 28.
Ideally the final outcome should reflect the preferences of the people in the community. After all the role of councillor is a role of community representation. The role of mayor is to guide those elected representives in meeting process and stand up as the figurehead for not only the councillors but every resident in the Wingecarribee Shire.
Unfortunately there is every chance that deals are already being done to lobby for votes and the top positions of mayor and deputy mayor.
The best the community can now hope for is that such lobbying will take into consideration the needs and wants of the people they represent.
But above all let’s hope they choose a mayor who has the best understanding of council and meeting procedures to lead the group effectively and efficiently.