The battle for Wyndham’s mayoralty is expected to be fought out between up to four candidates, all of whom have previously held the role.
With councillors to elect the new mayor tonight (Wednesday) at the Werribee Civic Centre, Star Weekly understands John Gibbons, Peter Maynard and Henry Barlow are all throwing their hat in the ring for the council’s top job. Cr Heather Marcus may also be in the running.
Cr Gibbons said he would definitely be contesting the mayoralty as he believes he has a lot to offer. “I’ve been there a few times before, the last time back in the ’90s,” he said.
“It would be a good experience in the new council. If they don’t want me [as mayor] I’ll put my head down, bum up and keep ploughing on.”
Cr Maynard, the mayor in 2014-15, said having the role was a privilege and he would be honoured to take it on again.
“Last time, I like to think I shared what was going on. The mayor is still a part of a team,” he said.
Cr Barlow confirmed he would be seeking the role.
“When you start off with a new council, with new councillors, after a period of instability with council, it’s important that the first mayor sets a very high standard of behaviour,” he said.
“The whole direction of the council has to be set from day one. We’re running a $400 million business. Eleven of us have been elected and we need to do the job collectively.”
At the time Star Weekly spoke to councillors Intaj Khan and Aaron An, neither had decided whether they’d nominate for the job.
“I haven’t yet decided, but I’m considering it,” Cr Khan said.
Councillors Kim McAliney, Josh Gilligan, Mia Shaw, Tony Hooper and Walter Villagonzalo confirmed they were not after the job.
Cr Heather Marcus did not respond to Star Weekly’s inquiry.
