By Paul Dunlop
CARDINIA mayor Bill Ronald is standing down.
Cr Ronald said last week he was not planning to seek reelection when his term expires in a fortnight’s time.
Cr Ronald told the Gazette he felt one year at the helm was enough at this stage and was looking forward to spending more time with his family.
The move opens the way for at least a twoway contest for the position.
Cr Ronald’s Central Ward colleague Kate Lempriere has been tipped as a possible candidate to take over but faces a challenge from Western Port councillor Doug Hamilton and possibly others.
Cr Lempriere acknowledged she was interested in becoming mayor again after holding the position in 200304, her first year on the council.
Cr Hamilton also confirmed his intentions to stand. Cr Hamilton said it was high time the position was held by a councillor outside the centre of the shire.
“It’s been seven years since this area had a mayor.
“My ward takes up a very significant area — more than 40 per cent of the entire shire. I think it is only fair that the role be spread around,” he said.
Cr Hamilton said he had the experience and the ability to do the job, citing good relations with staff, local ratepayers and the business community.
He said that with the expansion of new industrial areas in the southern part of the shire it was vital that Port Ward residents had a strong say in the council’s direction.
“People have been asking me to stand for the past two years and I think I have the credentials for the job,” he said.
Cr Lempriere said she had grown as a councillor since her first term as mayor.
Cr Lempriere has deputised for Cr Ronald on a number of occasions over the past year and said she would provide strong leadership as well as maintain harmony around the council table.
“I believe I can do a good job.
“I don’t believe the mayoral position should be decided on any basis other than who is the best candidate and who is the councillor who has the ability to keep council working together.”
The new mayor will be elected at a statutory meeting on 4 December, the council’s final meeting for the year.
Cr Ronald did not rule out standing again for mayor in the final year of the council’s threeyear term, saying he would wait and see.
He said he believed the council was on the right track and planned to continue to make a significant contribution as a councillor.
“I’ve put in a long, hard year, I think it’s time to pass the responsibility to someone else,” he said.
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