By NOEL MURPHY
DARRYN Lyons has won powerful backing in his mayoral campaign, with Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle saying Geelong needed his “wow factor” over the “safe hands” of Frank Costa’s preferred candidate, Ken Jarvis.
Cr Doyle, set to be Geelong Football Club’s number-one ticketholder next year, described flamboyant Mr Lyons as passionate, tough and relentless.
He was exactly what Geelong needed to boost its fortunes, Cr Doyle said.
“Darren is deeply committed, passionate and an absolutely fearless advocate for Geelong – I can’t speak highly enough of him.
“I know Ken Jarvis and I have the highest regard for him. He’s very sound, super sound, and I have no complaints whatsoever about him but when I think of Melbourne I think of the businesses and people as my customers and the city as a pool of talent to help them – Darren would bring a lot of that to it.
“He won’t be a shrinking violet – he’ll be aggressive, tough and passionate about Geelong.
“He’s relentless, while Ken is a safe pair of hands.’’
Cr Doyle, who has lived and educated children in Geelong, said the mayor needed to be a salesman who would raise the city’s voice in every forum.
“I’d love to see Geelong as a major voice on the Australian map because Geelong is a powerhouse and Darren’s voice needs to put it on the national stage.
“We need passion, ability and a tough nut and, make no mistake, Darren’s a toughie.”
Mr Lyons told the Independent he was keen to work with Cr Doyle to emulate and build City of Melbourne’s successes.
“We need to bring our council together and work harder to implement all the good ideas Geelong has. We need to talk up Geelong and the wonderful place it is to live.”
