By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG will have five deputy mayors in a year after this week’s election of Ron Nelson to the role until 26 November.
Councillors Nelson, Stretch Kontelj, Bruce Harwood – twice – and a yet-to-be-elected deputy mayor, will all have had a turn at the role by November.
Cr Nelson was the only nominee for the position this week while Cr Harwood completed the role of acting mayor.
Cr Harwood was deputy until the sudden resignation of directly elected mayor Keith Fagg last month.
Cr Harwood will resume the deputy role for 10 days after the mayoral election on 23 November.
Former mayors Cr Harwood and Cr Kontelj shared the deputy role for six months each under Keith Fagg’s mayoralty.
Cr Harwood said the length of the deputy term to be voted in November was yet to be determined.
“There’s strong discussion around having one deputy for a period of time but that period is yet to be determined. I’d suggest it would be no less than 12 months.
“A lot will depend on the new mayor and what they wish to do. It can be for up to two years but it can’t be for the entire mayoral term.”
Cr Nelson said the temporary role would enable him to “get my feet wet without being totally drenched”.
He would consider renominating in November but would first “see who the mayor is”.
“I’ll see how it goes. I might not enjoy the role or I might love it.”
