By NOEL MURPHY
Geelong powerbroker Frank Costa has backed former mayor Ken Jarvis to replace Keith Fagg in council’s top job.
Mr Jarvis ticked “all the boxes” to lead the city again, Mr Costa told the Independent.
He said Mr Jarvis was a successful businessman with vision, a strong personality and a record of community and council service.
Mr Costa welcomed the emerging field of mayoral candidates, describing them all as “good people”.
“But Ken ticks all the boxes better than anybody else. I think Ken would be an excellent candidate and I certainly support him in every way.
“He’s a successful businessman, he’s been through the ups and downs of the economy, which is very important for the city. He’s also been there (as mayor) before and understands the challenges.
“I think his commitment to the community has always been to the fore. He’s chair of GMHBA and the channels authority – the guy’s very experienced and has a track record with the community and business and he’s also a strong person, which you need to be – a person who can withstand stress.”
Mr Jarvis said considering running for mayor.
He outlined a raft of possible initiatives for Geelong, including a water-sports complex, a Barwon River business precinct, taller buildings in the city centre, more hotels and stores on the waterfront and a world-class boulevard along Moorabool St.
He also wanted lower rates, Brougham St to become Geelong’s financial centre, cut-price land sales to bolster Heales Rd’s industrial precinct, a major project for Geelong’s north and increased support for existing business.
Mr Costa, a former chair of the Cats and Committee for Geelong, also called for changes to the direct-vote mayoral system to strengthen the mayor’s office. He wanted a directly-voted deputy and the right for the mayor to appoint a personal assistant.
He praised Mr Fagg, saying bullying had forced him from office.
Mr Fagg quit 10 months into a four-year terms as Geelong’s first directly-elected mayor. Ratepayers will spend $500,000 on a by-election next month.
Mr Costa rejected calls for council’s sacking over its ward funding system.
However, he said it had “grown like Topsy” and needed greater transparency and public awareness to prevent misuse by councillors.
