By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
JODIE Owen’s mission as mayor would be simple – to make every resident of Cardinia Shire proud of the place they live.
There are, of course, other priorities that the councillor would have if she were to land the top job at Monday night’s statutory council meeting – more employment, more investment from the State and Federal governments and a fairer rates system to name a few.
But the mother of three said on Friday afternoon 6 November she would work hard to make the Cardinia Shire an appealing place to move to and live, and not just because it’s a growth area.
Councillor Jodie Owen and George Blenkhorn are the only two to have publicly said that they will be putting their hand up to be elected, after Cr Brett Owen confimrmed he would not contest.
Cr Blenkhorn, who has already held the position once before, said he had a range of assets he could bring to the job.
“I’ve got experience and a thorough understanding of the shire’s financial affairs,” he said.
“I’ve got a real passion for Cardinia, I’ve lived here for 38 years and it’s a great way to give back to the community.”
Cr Owen admitted it would be a tight competition.
“Cr Blenkhorn has been a great mayor. You don’t get a second term unless you’ve done a good job.”
It’s a demanding job, but one Cr Owen feels she’s been thoroughly prepared for from her years as a councillor and as a working mum.
She’s now one assignment off finishing her secondary education degree, and will apply for teaching jobs if she is not elected on Monday night.
She feels she’s in a good position to take on the role.
“I fall into the same age bracket as most of the people moving into the Cardinia Shire. I understand what they want and what they need.”
And though she’s made it clear that she hopes to be the next mayor of Cardinia, she said she’s confident that the decision on Monday night will be the right one regardless of who’s elected.
“The councillors have to make the decision that they think is right, and they’re going to vote for whoever they think will do the best job,” she said.
“If I’m not elected I’ll continue working just as hard for the community.”
