Both Dubbo’s ratepayers’ associations are tired of the “yo-yo affect” that sees the same two councillors swaying back and forth in the mayoral position and want to see a shake up in city’s leadership.
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The associations have even called for a popular vote to determine who should be the next mayor of Dubbo.
Dubbo Ratepayers and Residents Association president Greg Mohr said he would like to see a popularly elected mayor because “it’s impossible with the six and five vote to get anyone different in”.
The position for the past 10 years has shifted between current mayor Allan Smith and councillor Greg Mathews.
Cr Smith had “done an alright job” and “I really think he will get back in”, Mr Mohr said.
But it was “hard to move forward” when there was no fresh blood flowing through to the top job.
He said the association made a submission to Dubbo City Council “six months ago” suggesting the public elect its mayor but had not yet received a response.
But Dubbo City Council told the Daily Liberal it had not received the submission from the Dubbo Ratepayers and Residents Association.
Councillors Mathew Dickerson and Rod Towney would have the vote of Dubbo Rural and Suburban Residents and Ratepayers Association president Juliet Duffy.
Cr Smith was a “seasoned politician” who “performed his duty” but lacked “vision”, Ms Duffy said.
If re-elected “things would be done the same old way” but Crs Dickerson and Towney would “have the vision for a sustainable future”.
“They are also apolitical,” Ms Duffy said.
“They’re there for the community and not self-promotion.”
She said for too long the community had been “really ignored” and called for a “whole change of management”.
Despite being of the opinion “we (can’t) change the political structure”, Ms Duffy said “it’s about time” the mayor was elected by the people of Dubbo, not the 11 councillors.
“The community is calling for change,” Ms Duffy said.
“It would be lovely to see someone in there that can lead and
show intellect and vision for the future.”
Cr Matthews did not respond to the Daily Liberal’s enquiries by deadline.
