Veteran Robinvale Ward Cr-elect John Katis could be challenged at tonight’s mayoral ballot.
The former mayor has publicly announced he will run for the position while the most recent mayor, Les McPhee, decided to “play his cards close to his chest” ahead of the vote and swearing-in of the new council at Swan Hill Town Hall at 5.30pm.
Cr-elect McPhee, who was first elected in 2008 and swept back into Lakes Ward after he received four times more votes than his challenger, was in the top job from 2012-14 before he succeeded Michael Adamson in 2015.
“Preliminary discussions have been had but I still need to gather the views from the other six councillors,” he told The Guardian.
“The Local Government Act provides for an open vote in the chamber. I have thoroughly enjoyed being the mayor in the past and can effectively manage my personal and work commitments.”
Cr-elect McPhee said the most capable councillor at any particular time should assume the position of deputy mayor.
To read more about this story, grab a copy of Wednesday’s Guardian (November 9).
