By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
The emergence of issues around the current directly elected mayoral structure has prompted mayoral candidates to be more cautious about their election platforms.
Former council staffer Stephen Yewdall said the revelations about Keith Fagg’s battles with councillors “got me thinking about that”.
Mr Yewdall said the new mayor would have to “work within the system” as it would remain unchanged for the next election.
“The budget is set, the visions in the city plan to 2016 are still good, so I’m not going in with a whole new set of ideas,” Mr Yewdall said.
“But I believe the mayor and councillors can work together very well to achieve positive outcomes for the city.
“I do have some other ideas but we have to make sure we deliver on what is set in train.”
Austin ward’s Cr Jock Irvine said he would abide by council votes if he was elected mayor.
“I will say what I believe and try and get support, and if I am outvoted, then I am outvoted, and I will turn to the next item on the priority list,” Cr Irvine said.
“We should talk about issues in an open and honest forum, but ultimately council has been elected to make decisions on behalf of its constituents.
“While I respect anyone to hold their own opinion, decisions need to be made to get Geelong moving.”
Cr Irvine said although he had Mr Fagg’s support he would operate differently.
“No disrespect to Keith, he is supporting me in my campaign and we worked well together, but he spent a lot of time trying to pacify.
“My view is that we need to be more about decision making, hear what the opinions are, respect people’s rights, but if we clearly disagree then put it to a vote and accept the outcome.”
Cr Irvine said as mayor he would “go in line with the city plan”.
Geelong teacher Doug Mann said he would use his “total independence” as a means of getting initiative through.
“Keith had pressures pushing him in one direction and came up against a resilient bunch of councillors pushing back the other way,” Mr Mann said.
“I’m entering the campaign without feeling pressure from anyone who may have been promoting me.
“I’m in this as a cleanskin and less susceptible to those sorts of pressures.”
Mr Mann said he would be disappointed if he couldn’t bring new initiatives forward.
“There are some under way that I am in favour of but I have a number of pretty out-there ideas in rejuvenating city centre,” he said.
