KIM WATERS
Celebrities would be more likely to win Geelong’s first popular mayoral vote than an experienced civic leader, according to an Independent survey.
Former Cats player and media personality Billy Brownless won more than half the vote in the street poll, with TV presenter Catriona Rowntree second and reigning Mayor John Mitchell third.
The Independent sought voting preferences on the trio as State Government called for submissions on its plan to introduce a popular vote for Geelong’s mayor in 2012.
Mr Brownless won 60 per cent of the vote, Ms Rowntree 25 per cent and Cr Mitchell 15 per cent, despite serving in his third consecutive year as mayor.
One of the respondents who backed Mr Brownless wanted “a change because Geelong’s in a hell of a mess”.
Another said: “Yay, Billy, we want him”.
Ms Rowntree won at least one man’s vote because she was “a babe”.
“Why wouldn’t every guy vote for her?”
Local Government Minister Jeanette Powell invited City of Greater Geelong residents to “have their say” on the model for a community-elected mayor.
She launched a discussion paper with options for mayoral elections.
“The Victorian Government is responding to requests for members of the Geelong community to be able to directly elect their mayor,” she said.
“The Geelong community has articulated its desire for this change and now is the time to let us know how you wish to elect the leadership you want.”
Mrs Powell said residents had an option of electing both the mayor and their deputy.
“People are also invited to consider whether candidates for mayor or a deputy mayor should be allowed to also nominate as regular councillors.
“I know the residents and ratepayers of greater Geelong are passionate about the leadership of their community, so I encourage you all to have your say.”
Opposition spokesperson for local government Richard Wynne said Premier Ted Baillieu should instead focus on “more-substantial commitments, like the investment he promised for Geelong hospital”.
“This is one of Mr Baillieu’s many election commitments for Geelong and after four months in government the premier should get on with the job of fulfilling it.”
