ALBURY and Wodonga ratepayers will be going back into election mode in coming weeks and months to elect representatives for the tier of public office closest to the people – local government.
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The departures from both councils started some months ago with the retirement of the longest-serving female councillor in NSW, Patricia Gould.
Her exit was followed by Cr Daryl Betteridge’s decision not to seek re-election after two terms on Albury Council, but the remaining seven councillors look certain to put themselves at the mercy of voters again.
Across the river in Wodonga the ranks of departees have swelled by one with former mayor Rod Wangman following the lead of councillors Mark Byatt and Eric Kerr in deciding not to seek re-election.
Speculation persists another high-profile member of Wodonga Council will bow out.
Cr Wangman confirmed on Friday he would be ending his 11-year contribution to the community.
His time on council has coincided with some of the most momentous events in the city’s recent history.
They include the opening of the Albury-Wodonga internal freeway and the removal of the railway line from the centre of the city which has paved the way for the creation of Junction Place.
The two milestones were a long time in the making, but together are having a hugely positive influence on the city’s liveability.
The closure of the Bandiana saleyards and relocation to Barnawartha North was the most contentious issue Cr Wangman faced on council.
Farmers and other saleyards users packed out the council chamber for some fiery meetings as Cr Wangman and co stayed the course on a hugely decisive issue.
A cinema complex on the council-owned carpark didn’t fire, but there is hope a similar entertainment venue will materialise at Junction Place one day in the future.
The $1 million art work at Junction Place idea was a public relations disaster Cr Wangman had to deal with in his time as mayor and the proposed $33 million aquatics centre at Willow Park created some unwanted headaches.
Reflecting on his councillor career, Cr Wangman said: ”People will have their own opinions on whether I’ve been a good councillor or a good mayor but I hope people think at least I’ve made a contribution.”
Few could argue with those sentiments.
