BATHURST’S mayoral election turmoil is in the past, according to councillors, who expect there will not be any surprises when next month’s annual mayoral election is held.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
When Bathurst Regional Council meets on September 16, it is expected mayor Gary Rush and deputy mayor Ian North will be returned to office unopposed.
It’s a steady as she goes attitude being adopted by the region’s nine elected councillors and Councillor Warren Aubin couldn’t be happier with the present leadership team.
“As far as I know there’s no backroom deals being done to unseat the mayor as happened a few years ago,” he said. “I am glad to say everything is cruising along nicely and the mayor and deputy are doing a good job.
“We’ve moved on from the turmoil of the past with the mayoral election and there’s no reason to change a thing. Steady as she goes is a good thing.
“Mayor Rush has led us admirably over the past year, especially with his handing of our bicentenary celebrations.”
Cr Bobby Bourke said council has the best leadership team since the late Kath Knowles was mayor.
“We are very happy with the mayor and the job he is doing,” he said. “He’s doing extremely well and has handled himself well as the chief commander.
“I plan to vote to keep him there and will support Cr North for re-election as the deputy mayor.”
Cr Jess Jennings also confirmed he can’t see any challenges on the horizon.
“I haven’t spoken to anyone about the elections, but I expect the minimum five councillors that support Cr Rush and Cr North will be there for them at the very minimum,” he said.
“I have a few policy differences with the mayor, but it’s fair to say he has done a competent job, except for his misleading handling of the Qantas article and Paula Duncan fundraiser dinner.”
Cr Greg Westman said he believed the mayor had done an outstanding job.
“He has fitted into the role very well,” he said.
“He is diligent, thoughtful in his comments in the way he addresses ministers, outside parties and the community. On the whole he’s been good for Bathurst.”
Mayor Gary Rush said yesterday he intended to put his hand up to continue on in the top job.
“I would like to think the councillor team would be supportive towards me,” he said. “As a group we have worked hard together and are receiving some recognition in the community for being a good team.”
Cr Graeme Hanger said he couldn’t see any changes happening.
“Both men have done a good job with best interests of the city at heart,” he said.
