Mayor backs Webster

Alex de Vos
SURF Coast Shire Mayor Rose Hodge will throw her weight behind Councillor Dean Webster at next months mayoral election.
Cr Hodge said she would support Cr Webster tilt for the mayoralty if she decided not to recontest the position on December 14 after Cr Webster told the Independent he would run if the mayor stood down.
Cr Hodge said she had to consider family commitments before deciding her future.
The mayor said Cr Webster would be the best person for the job because of his “work ethic and support for councillors”.
“Dean has just been fantastic and he is so supportive of me,” Cr Hodge said.
But Cr Ron Humphrey said the two councillors had made a “backroom deal” to elect Cr Webster.
“Dean will be the next mayor and it highlights that a mates’ deal has been made,” he said.
Cr Hodge was “playing games”, Cr Humphrey said.
He said the next mayor should be “a reflection of the community and not a reflection of your mates”.
Cr Webster had been silent on a number of community issues, including dogs on leads and nude beaches, he said.
He said Cr Webster “wasn’t worthy” of a mayoral position.
“Dean has never attended a dogs on lead meeting and doesn’t possess leadership qualities,” he said.
But Cr Webster rejected Cr Humphrey’s claims.
“I’ve attended a dozen more meetings than Cr Humphrey ever has and ever would,” Cr Webster said.
“Cr Humphrey tends to offend the community and doesn’t work with them – I’d rather work with the community.
“I don’t take much notice of Cr Humphrey and I don’t think anyone does.”
Cr Webster said he welcomed Cr Hodge’s support.