Three hands rise for mayoral vote

By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
CANDIDATES have begun putting their hands up for a new poll on 23 November to elect Geelong’s replacement mayor.
The vacancy, which emerged after the surprise resignation of Keith Fagg last month only nine months into a four-year term, has attracted a former council staffer and a sitting councillor.
Long-time councillor executive assistant Stephen Yewdall and Austin Ward councillor John Irvine have joined failed Corangamite federal election candidate Buddy Rojek in vying for the job.
Mr Yewdall was on council staff for almost 30 years, resigning in early August.
He said he believed he was in a “unique position” to take on the role of mayor because of his background in working with various councillors during his 16 years in the councillor support team.