With only two weeks until mayoral elections, Bob Fairclough is the only councillor to confirm he will be putting his hand up for the senior role at Wyndham.
“I was mayor two years ago and feel I have more to offer,” Cr Fairclough said. “I really have to provide a loud voice for the community and address many urgent and important issues.”
Cr Fairclough cited traffic congestion, vigilance with councillor expenses and an “intensive and co-ordinated” campaign to lobby state and federal governments for infrastructure funding as his main focus, if successful.
Incumbent mayor Cr Peter Maynard told Star Weekly he hadn’t considered whether he’d nominate again.
“The thought hasn’t even crossed my mind,” he said.
Cr Gautam Gupta said he believed it was time for a mayor under the age of 50 who reflected the majority of residents.
“I believe it’s time for us to have a young mayor who’s independent from any political party,” he said.
Asked if, as per his own criteria, he would be pitching for the mayoralty, Cr Gupta would not say.
Cr Intaj Khan is also yet to decide whether he will throw his hat in the ring. He said he believed the next mayor would be affiliated with the Labor Party but wouldn’t have been mayor previously.
Cr Glenn Goodfellow said he would love to be mayor but would most likely not nominate as he didn’t have the support of his fellow councillors. He, too, would like the new mayor to be under the age of 50.
Councillors John Gibbons, Heather Marcus and Michele Wharrie confirmed they would not be putting their names forward.
Councillors Adele Hegedich, Marie Brittan and Peter Gibbons did not respond to Star Weekly’s request for comment.
The new mayor will be elected by councillors at a meeting on October 28.
