The vote for mayor of Wangaratta could be hotly contested between at least four of the city’s newly-elected councillors.
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As the group gathered for the official declaration of the poll on Monday, 10 days before next week’s mayoral vote, talk had already started about who would be right for the top job.
Ken Clarke, Dean Rees, Harry Bussell and Dave Fuller all indicated they would consider putting up their hands.
Mr Bussell said experience as the chair of boards or committees was important, which he had in the rural sector.
“There has already been some conversations,” he said.
“I want the best person to be in and to go through the process in a respectful way.”
Councillors elect will be officially sworn in on November 10 before making their decision on the mayor and deputy.
Prominent businessman Dean Rees said the group would start to work out each other’s strengths during discussions over the next week before anyone nominated for mayor.
“It’s a thing that I’ll seriously consider, I haven’t decided 100 per cent,” he said.
Dave Fuller said he had no hidden agenda or alliances with other councillors, which he believed appealed to voters, and would nominate for the mayoral job.
“I think we’ve got a good selection of people who could put up their hand,” he said.
The word “cohesive” was said by most candidates during acceptance speeches, in a clear statement they wanted to be different to the group sacked three years ago.
“Hopefully the team and not just me can do a great job to represent Wangaratta in the right way,” Mr Rees said.
North ward councillor elect Harvey Benton said he had not ruled out a run for mayor.
“I’d like to move with the other six councillors; weigh up the decisions, situations and issues that come along to move cohesively – we’ve heard that and I think you’re going to hear a fair bit of that,” he said.
Chair of administrators Ailsa Fox had the last word, congratulating the successful councillors elect and saying she would miss the job.
“I’m sure we’re handing over a council in very good shape,” she said.
“It’s not easy to put yourself up before the community to be judged by the community, so thanks everyone for making a competition of the election for Wangaratta.
“I’m sure we’ve got a good council going forward.”
