Residents don’t get to elect the lead figure of their local government. The 10 newly-elected councillors will decide who will lead civic affairs and be the face of the city.

As stated the lobbying has started – not in “smoke-filled backrooms” as in days of yore – but via mobile phone chats and meetings. But, as in the past, they are secret talks.

Observers are keeping a keen eye on “negotiations”. There is talk of various deals being offered to secure votes.

What does the numbers game show now?

To be elected mayor, a candidate has to get six votes in a two-candidate race. If there are multiple candidates, the one with the lowest score in each ballot drops out and the councillors vote again -- until someone gets six votes. If a “two-horse” race ends in a 5-5 draw a “hat” decides the outcome. The first name drawn becomes mayor.

So far, only one candidate has declared in public that he is in the race -- former long-term Dubbo City Council (DCC) member Kevin Parker.

No one else has stepped forward … at least publicly.

Much speculation centres on Ben Shields, a former DCC deputy mayor. He is known to have had his eye on the job in the past but so far has been coy.

He organised the biggest group of election candidates and they won four council spots – a good number in any vote.

Speculation also says Mr Parker will be backed by three Dubbo councillors. That would mean a 4-4 tie with Mr Shields. But, there is talk one independent may support Mr Shields, changing the “tally” to 5-3.

Either way, the votes of Wellington councillors Anne Jones and David Grant could decide the issue.

Then, this is politics and a week is a long time. Votes could change.

What is missing? Anyone running for mayor declare their intent now.

They should detail their vision for the council, the city and the area to residents.The DCC was a big responsibility that has grown since the merger with Wellington.

Residents have a right to know who is in the running to lead their affairs … not find out 30 minutes before the vote or after the mayor is chosen. Let’s have some scrutiny.

No smokey rooms, crackly mobiles or secret deals. Let’s have the DRC show transparency from the outset.