Dubbo mayor Mathew Dickerson could face a challenge for the top civic spot from Cr John Walkom at a meeting on Monday.
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Cr Walkom yesterday did not rule out standing for mayor as the incumbent confirmed his intention to re-nominate.
Councillors are elected for a four-year term but elect a mayor every year.
The past two ballots of this council term have drawn just one nomination, with Cr Dickerson elected unopposed to the top job at each.
He first became mayor in 2011, prior to the general council election in 2012.
A number of the city’s 11 elected councillors yesterday ruled out standing for mayor at the extraordinary meeting scheduled for Monday at midday.
“If the support’s there, I’ll stand,”
- Cr John Walkom
A hint of a contest emerged when Cr Walkom said he would not rule out standing for mayor, although he did not yet commit.
The civic leader, still in his first term, said in the coming days he would make a decision and that there would “no doubt” be conversations with fellow councillors.
“If the support’s there, I’ll stand,” Cr Walkom said.
He spoke of his experience that led him to believe he would “certainly have something to offer”, including his “long experience with regional development and strong relationships at local, state and federal government levels”.
“And a good understanding of Dubbo and across the region,” Cr Walkom said. “I feel the way things are at the moment we have the opportunity to stamp Dubbo as the capital of western NSW.”
Deputy mayor Ben Shields reflected on the coming ballot.
“I think the general mood of the community is status quo with the positions in council right now,” he said.
“However, I am also aware that the community are also expecting more policy outcomes from the council; including the sorting out of our residential land sales, the redevelopment and upgrade of our showground and a greater effort on attracting new business and industry to Dubbo.
“There is also a clear need to re-vitalise the CBD.
“And, over the short term I am also committed to standing by Playmates Cottage in their attempts to remain open.”
When asked to rule out a run for mayor and confirm he would stand as deputy, Cr Shields said he would “be supporting that the council positions (Mayor, Deputy Mayor etc) remain the status quo at this coming election”.
Late yesterday Cr Dickerson confirmed to the Daily Liberal he was standing for re-election.