JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
THE position of deputy mayor could become a sticking point for introduction of direct mayoral elections in Geelong, according to a State Government spokesperson.
The spokesperson said differences of opinion on how to appoint a deputy emerged when Government Minister Jeanette Powell opened another round of consultations on the direct mayoral elections.
“While there was strong support for directly electing the mayor, the situation concerning the deputy mayor was less clear cut,” the spokesman said.
“The minister met with representatives from Geelong’s council, Municipal Association of Victoria, Victorian Local Government Association and Local Government Professionals to canvass their views.”
The spokesman said options including electing the deputy as part of a leadership team or in a separate vote.
The minister could also allow the directly elected mayor to appoint the deputy or require council to make the decision.
Other options were rotating the role between councillors or leaving council to decide whether to have a deputy.
Municipal Association of Victoria sought “urgent feedback” from councils.
From classroom to theatre
A private school teacher is swapping the classroom for the stage as Footlight Productions’ Billy Elliot comes to Geelong this month.
Kardinia...
