
WODONGA councillor Kev Poulton says he would be "proud" to serve another 12 months as mayor, but will not nominate himself for the role at Monday night's council meeting.
The council will vote on Monday night on whether the radio 2AY breakfast host continues as mayor after being elevated to the position following last year's municipal election.
Cr Poulton declined to declare outright he wanted to keep the job, but said he would accept a nomination for mayor.
"I'm watching a lot of mayors change or not seek nomination which is probably a reflection of what the last 12 months and two years has been like," he said referring to COVID fallout.
"I don't take anything for granted but I'm certainly proud of the last 12 months and I would be proud to continue for another 12 months."
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Cr Poulton noted the looming retirement of Albury mayor Kevin Mack at next month's council election would leave a vacuum in continuity of Twin Cities leadership.
"It takes six months to get your head around being a councillor, so it took me six months and then I've had 12 months in learning to be mayor," he said.
Former Wodonga mayor and councillor John Watson who eyed off the top job last year said he would not be challenging Cr Poulton.
"Realistically with Albury going into their elections and having a new mayor over there and for continuity and....for Kevin it would be good he has another year or two," Cr Watson said.
He added that he would like Cr Poulton to be more outspoken.
"It's been a learning process for him for sure and I think he does need to speak up a bit more on issues," Cr Watson said.
"He's not pushy at this stage."
Councillor Ron Mildren has not ruled out seeking the mayoralty, as he did last year.
He said he would not nominate himself for the job, but may challenge if put forward by a fellow councillor.
Cr Mildren lost 4-3 last year and says the bloc that defeated him, Cr Poulton, Cr Watson, Graeme Simpfendorfer and Kat Bennett was unlikely to split.
He said there was mixed community views about the performance of Cr Poulton as mayor.
"Some people think he's done okay, but other people have been very critical," Cr Mildren said.
He added concerns centred on Cr Poulton being an Albury resident and having a lack of experience as a councillor.
Cr Poulton said the election on Monday night would be a performance review.
He said with data showing Wodonga had not rebounded from COVID restrictions as well as coastal areas it would be a vital 12 months and it was clear the region had been "scarred".
A decision will also be made on Monday night on whether Wodonga reinstates a deputy mayor.
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