THE councillor who could easily be Albury's next mayor, David Thurley, has ruled himself out of the race to replace Kevin Mack.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
But he will play a major role in deciding the city's next leader.
A day after Cr Mack confirmed he wouldn't be seeking a third term as mayor, three councillors _ Henk van de Ven, Daryl Betteridge and Alice Glachan haven't ruled out a crack at the job on September 28.
Cr Graham Docksey ruled himself out of a shot at mayor, but said he would stand for deputy mayor if Cr Glachan returned to the position or Cr Betteridge snared the role.
The current council has largely been split on most issues 5-4 with Cr Mack, deputy mayor Ross Jackson, Cr van de Ven, Cr Thurley and Cr Darren Cameron on one side and Cr Glachan, Cr Docksey, Cr Betteridge and Cr Patricia Gould on the other.
Cr Thurley can help Cr van de Ven realise his long-term goal to become mayor.
But at the same time he could torpedo his chances by jumping ship and doing the same for Cr Glachan or Cr Betteridge.
Cr Thurley said on Wednesday following Cr Mack as mayor would be a daunting prospect.
"They are big shoes to fill," Cr Thurley said.
"It would be a tremendous honour and I am sure I could do the job.
"I know Kevin was out five or six nights per week and he has been the first real full-time mayor we've had for a long time.
"At this stage I don't want to put in that sort of effort."
Cr Mack refused to anoint a successor when asked on Wednesday.
"It is an open field," he said.
"It is worthy of a Melbourne Cup, but any of the other seven councillors can lead this city.
"I've got only one vote of nine."
Cr van de Ven has had four previous cracks at becoming mayor.
But he lost each time to Cr Glachan including some in a "lucky dip" when there was a tied vote.
He stood down as deputy mayor last year with Cr Ross Jackson elected to the position.
