HE may have stepped down from council to contest the federal seat of Calare last year, but Jess Jennings looks set to return to Bathurst Regional Council.
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Dr Jennings ran as a Labor candidate at the July 2, 2016 federal election and while he was unsuccessful at the polling booths, he has always been keen to get back to representing Bathurst.
“I’m reasonably confident that I’ll get back in,” he said on Monday afternoon as voting continued for seats on Bathurst council.
Dr Jennings led the Group C above-the-line ticket in the election, however, the other members of the group – Steve Semmens, Leah Moulden, Saskia-Jayne Handley and Tony Hatch – look unlikely to be elected at this stage.
“I’m totally looking forward to it,” Dr Jennings said of resuming a seat in the council chamber.
'“I’m reasonably confident that I’ll get back in.
- Jess Jennings
He said voters responded positively to the group’s long-term vision for Bathurst including renewable energy initiatives, separate low and high density areas and an eight kilometre green reserve through the city along the Macquarie River.
“We were the only team who asked what people thought,” he said.
As counting continues, current mayor Graeme Hanger looks like he may receive enough votes to get not only him but second on his ticket Vince Connor on council.
“Five would have been good, but two is good,” Cr Hanger said.
“The fact that our group topped the poll is pretty nice. It’s a satisfying feeling; we must have done something right.”
Postal votes were still being received until 6pm on Monday.
Current councillor Bobby Bourke looks to also have secured enough votes to get himself and second on his ticket Jacqui Rudge elected.