New Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Ronald tries on his official robes in the council offices. Picture: Stewart Chambers.By Paul Dunlop
NEW Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Ronald has promised ratepayers an accountable, open and transparent council, saying his aim was to ensure local government was “by the people, for the people”.
Cr Ronald won a vote on Monday to lead the new council in the first year of its term, setting the scene for what he said would be an exciting chapter in the life and times of Cardinia Shire.
Cr Ronald defeated Cr Doug Hamilton to become mayor, with his win capping a remarkable transformation in the Central Ward councillor’s fortunes.
Only a fortnight ago, Cr Ronald was a marginal influence on council, but the dramatic upheaval at the shire elections, coupled with a massive personal vote, mean he is now firmly entrenched in a position of power.
The first flex of this muscle was seen at the statutory meeting with the support for Cr Ronald from new councillors Brett Owen, Bill Pearson and Ed Chatwin meaning the mayoral vote was never in doubt.
Cr Kate Lempriere also voted for Cr Ronald, with Cr Graeme Legge supporting Cr Hamilton.
About 100 people were in the public gallery to see the ballot. A rousing ovation followed the declaration by chief executive officer Don Welsh that Cr Ronald was the new Cardinia Shire mayor.
Cr Ronald described his new role as a significant honour and a responsibility.
He said he was proud to accept the challenge in his 14th year on council.
A former Pakenham Shire president, Cr Ronald said he fully realised the importance of his position.
He said he knew the success of his job as mayor and of council and its staff would depend entirely on the extent to which the organisation could work together.
Cr Ronald spoke of his late father Peter Ronald’s contribution to local government and paid tribute to his family and supporters in the community.
He also acknowledged the Cardinia Ratepayers and Residents Association as a serious player in the local government scene.
“I will do my very best to be an effective leader. I hope I live up to your expectations,” he said.
Cr Pearson said his former Pakenham Shire colleague was the right man to lead the council at this time.
“Everybody here knows Bill Ronald, knows what he stands for,” Cr Pearson said.
“He is a man of integrity and a voice of the people.”
Cr Owen said Cr Ronald had great leadership qualities.
He said residents often felt mayors should be elected by the people and the recent shire poll proved Cr Ronald had huge support in the community.
Earlier, Cr Legge had said Cr Hamilton’s exemplary personal behaviour, his honesty and fairness made him the best candidate for mayor.
Cr Legge said the mayor had to be able to lead councillors without being influenced by local or personal interests. Cr Hamilton said he came without any baggage and had no axe to grind.
He said his sole purpose for being a councillor was to serve the community and that he sought to provide considered, balanced and fair leadership.
Cr Lempriere said later she voted for Cr Ronald as a reflection of the public support he received at the polls.
However, she said her intention on council was to maintain an independent view. She believed Cr Ronald had earned the right to be mayor but said the manner in which he led from here would be the true test of his quality.
