BOBBY Bourke has scored the first minor victory in the Bathurst Regional Council election with his team winning prime position on the ballot paper.
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About 30 people were on hand on Wednesday night for the ballot draws for Bathurst, Oberon and Blayney with returning officer Stuart Evennett running the show.
Cr Bourke said it was the first time he had drawn top spot.
“Yes, I’m happy about it but, really, I’m just happy to be on the ballot paper,” he said.
“I’ve asked a couple of old-timers what it means to be in the top spot and they say it could be as much as a five per cent advantage but, personally, I’m not sure it’s as significant as that.
“I think most people will go looking for the person they want to vote for.”
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Cr Bourke said he expected a close election this time round.
“”It’s a wide open field,” he said.
“There’s no Black Caviar of Winx in the field and coming out of winter it’s going to be hard to pick a winner.”
Forty candidates have nominated for the Bathurst Regional Council election on September 9, with just two – Alex Christian and Nick Packham – running as ungrouped candidates.
Monica Morse’s group will appear second on the ballot paper, followed by Jess Jennings, Ian North, Warren Aubin, Don Grant/Gordon Crisp (below the line), Graeme Hanger and The Greens.