By Corey Everitt
Longtime councillor Brett Owen has ruled himself out of being mayor again just a few days away from the mayoral election, further opening up the field for new councillors who may be eyeing a leadership role.
On Monday 25 November, councillors will meet for the first time this term to elect among themselves the mayor and deputy mayor for next 12 months.
The field is more unpredictable than usual as six new faces make up the nine councillors representing the shire.
Cr Brett Owen, the longest-serving councillor with three stints as mayor already to his name, has ruled himself out of the election.
He said he is excited with the new cohort of councillors for the next term, but believes it best to step aside from leadership this year.
“I do like that role and I will seek it in future years, but it’s not right at this current time,” Cr Owen said.
“I would like others to take on the role, particularly a new person for deputy.
“I think with six new councillors, it was a statement for change from the community and it’s appropriate for them to have the opportunity.”
So far, Cr Collin Ross is the only councillor to declare his intention to stand for mayor, having already served the role once through 2017-18.
“I enjoyed the first opportunity and I would love to do it again,” he said at the declaration ceremony on 11 November.
“To lead the council and make councillors the best they can be.”
The last returning councillor, Jack Kowarzik, has not declared any intention in the election.
So far, Trudi Paton is the only councillor to rule themselves out of the nominating for either mayor or deputy mayor this year.
“I feel a responsibility to learn the role for the first year and I want to dedicate myself to Westernport Ward at this stage,” she said.
“I will take part in sub-committees where they are relevant to Westernport Ward.”
Paton is still one of nine votes that will decide the mayoral election; she believes leadership should reflect the state of the new council.
“What I would like to see is a mix in the mayor and deputy mayor roles, between experience and new ideas, that represents all of the shire,” Paton said.
Cr Liz Roberts and Cr Samantha-Jane Potter have not ruled themselves out of the election.
Alongside all councillors who were contacted, they both trust that whoever is picked will be fit for the role.
“I think the group are all amazing, I’m grateful to be a part of this team,” Potter said.
“Whoever ends up being mayor and deputy mayor, I have complete faith that the right people will be in the role.”
It’s reported that conversations are happening between councillors as a group, considering the particular factors a mayor will need to take on in the next year.
“With the Federal Election coming up and the broader want for change in the community, there is a lot to consider,” Roberts said.
“I think there is plenty of skills and talent in this group to lead.”
The council will decide the mayor and deputy mayor for 2024-25 in their first public meeting to be held on Monday 25 November at 7pm.
