‘LADY in waiting’ is not a tag that sits comfortably with Cheryl BillingSmith.
But in terms of her proximity to a spot on Cardinia Shire Council, that’s where the Pakenham woman could find herself.
If the Local Government investigation into claims of impropriety against mayor Bill Ronald was to end with Cr Ronald being stood down, Ms BillingSmith or former mayor Garry Runge loom as the most likely replacements.
As the candidates who polled the next highest number of votes in the threemember Central Ward, either Ms BillingSmith or Mr Runge would be favoured to be elected on a recount.
The Victorian Electoral Commission’s stance is that if any councillor in the Central Ward was unable to see out the threeyear term, there would not be a byelection.
Cardinia Shire manager of governance and communications Doug Evans said a similar situation applied in Ranges Ward where the two sitting councillors were also elected on a system of proportional representation.
“If a vacancy occurs in either of these wards, the VEC would go back to the candidates and ask whether they still wanted to be considered and — provided they were willing to stand again — the votes would be recast,” Mr Evans said.
“Nobody would know exactly how that would pan out so it’s not really possible to say who would be next in line.”
It is unknown whether Mr Runge would be willing to stand again.
Ms BillingSmith acknowledged the prospect had crossed her mind — but only briefly.
Ms BillingSmith said the scenario was theoretical and one she was not willing to seriously entertain.
“I am aware of it but it is certainly not something I am waiting on,” she told the Gazette last week.
“I was quite happy with the election result and I would certainly be very reluctant to see Bill go. He has just started to get his voice.”
The Local Government department has for the past 18 months been carrying out an investigation into complaints against Cr Ronald for alleged breaches of the Local Government Act over dealings involving the Heritage Springs Estate.
Meanwhile, Cr Kate Lempriere has called on state MP Ken Smith to stay out of local government affairs.
Mr Smith recently said Cr Ronald should stand down, claiming it was improper for Cr Ronald to continue to lead the council until an inquiry into his conduct was resolved.
Cr Lempriere said Mr Smith should stay out of it.
“I don’t think he has got a right to come out and interfere with local government,” she said.
Cr Ronald refused to comment on the investigation but has always maintained he is innocent of any wrongdoing.
Paul Dunlop
