Libs say no to mayor

By Paul Dunlop
SIMON Wildes has been preselected as the man to represent Gembrook on behalf of the Liberal Party at the next state election.
The Kallista man was chosen from a host of candidates including Cardinia Shire mayor Garry Runge and councillor Kate Lempriere.
Mr Wildes, 36, is a financial controller and has been involved in the Emerald Winterfest, as well as the town’s State Emergency Service and kindergarten.
It is believed the 54 Liberal Party delegates involved in the preselection process on Sunday chose Mr Wildes narrowly ahead of Andrew Ronalds of Jindivik.
A longtime member of the Liberal Party, Mr Wildes is set to be officially endorsed by the party’s administrative committee when it meets on 19 August.
Delegates met in Berwick to make their preselection decision for what is seen as a crucial seat for the Opposition when voters go to the polls in November 2006.
As well as Mr Ronalds and Crs Runge and Lempriere, the field of candidates included Victorian Equestrian Centre proprietor Ken Aldred, who is president of the Cardinia Tourism Network, and Simon Wilson.
Mr Wildes is married and has three children.
Liberal Party state director Julian Sheezel said delegates had been impressed by the depth of talent and commitment shown by the hopefuls for the seat of Gembrook.
“We had a very good list of candidates,” Mr Sheezel said.
Although Labor’s Tammy Lobato has earned a loyal following since scoring an upset win at the last election, Gembrook remains one of the most marginal seats in the state.
Speaking to the Gazette on Tuesday, Mr Sheezel again emphasised the seat’s importance to the Opposition’s chances of toppling the Bracks Government.
“It’s certainly an area the party hopes to do well in,” Mr Sheezel said.
Crs Runge and Lempriere both said they would continue to focus their efforts on local issues as councillors.
The mayor and his Toomuc Ward colleague are expected to be among the sitting councillors who will seek reelection in a few months’ time.
Opposition leader Robert Doyle was at the preselection meeting on Sunday.