Former deputy mayor Anthony Aitken has announced his entry into Geelong’s mayoral race.
Mr Aitken was a former three-term councillor and ran second to Eddy Kontelj in Cowie ward in the 2012 council election.
The 43 year old business owner said he nominated to provide the community with as a wide a choice of candidates as possible.
“I encourage other community minded people, especially woman, to stand,” Mr Aitken said. “I care about Geelong, and am passionate about its future.”
Mr Aitken sits on a number of not-for-profit boards in Geelong and holds professional qualifications in economics and accounting.
“I have the history of seeing firsthand the strengths and weaknesses of four different mayors. I intend to utilise that experience, my business skills and financial qualifications to be the best mayor I can be for the people of Geelong,” Mr Aitken said.
“My priorities as mayor are to restore the community’s confidence in Council, repair the relationship between the mayor and existing councillors, lead a financially responsible council and shift the focus and agenda back to the most important issue in Geelong, jobs.”
Nominations for mayor close 22 October at 12 noon.
