Cardinia mayor flags debt plan

BILL Pearson is the new mayor of the Cardinia Shire.
Cr Pearson, a former banker and construction company operator, defeated Ranges Ward councillor Ed Chatwin 4-3 for the position on Monday night.
Cr Pearson has flagged a debt reduction plan for the council and the addressing of Pakenham’s parking woes as high priorities.
“Our budget and five-year plans should include a debt reduction plan. It (debt) must go down, not go up,” Cr Pearson said.
“Our budget may need to be reviewed in the new year as a result of the effects of the global credit crisis.”
It is the first time a Bunyip Ward councillor has been elected mayor since Max Papley in 1999.
Cr Pearson said it was time the “rural voice” was heard, along with that of the growth corridor.
“The last three years we’ve had a Central Ward councillor as mayor,” he said.
Cr Pearson said he wouldn’t use the mayoral car and would instead claim travel expenses in the same way as his fellow councillors.