SWAN Hill mayor Ann Young has not ruled out a bid for a second term in the top local government position.
The Swan Hill Rural City Council mayoral election is set to be held at 4.30pm tomorrow at the town hall and at least two councillors are expected to nominate for the role.
Cr Young told The Guardian she had yet to decide if she would seek to be returned to the role.
It is understood Cr Bill Moar has also indicated an interest in leading the shire, while former mayor Cr Les McPhee stopped short of bowing out of the contest, telling The Guardian he’d “have to see what happens on the night”.
New councillors Jade Benham and Nicole McKay will not be putting their hands up for the job, with each seeking more experience in their current roles.
Both Cr Lea Johnson and Cr Chris Jeffery said they would not seek to enter the running due to work and family commitments.
“I haven’t finally decided yet, but I probably will, I have enjoyed the role,” Cr Young said.
“Hopefully I will receive some support, but you can never be sure with these sorts of things.”
Cr Young said it had been a busy year for council, with plenty of highlights from her time as mayor.
“There have been so many things happen this year it is pretty hard to pinpoint anything,” she said.
“Some areas we have made lots of progress and with the long term things such as the bridge we have advanced, we don’t have a solution yet but we’re on our way and we’re further along than we were.
“I think it’s been a great year for Swan Hill and Robinvale, and with two new councillors we have a bit of a different dynamic, which is good.”
Cr Young said a contest from Cr Moar for the seat would not be unexpected.
Cr Johnson said she would not be looking to don the ceremonial robes.
“I probably won’t be,” she said.
“I’m finding back at work full-time, after a few months off last year, it’s not something I can commit to at the moment.”
While Cr Benham said it was early days for her to be eyeing off the top civic job.
“I think there are many other councillors who are far more qualified than I am,” she said.
“Given I’ve only been on council a little over six months, I have a lot more learning to do yet and I know that.”
Cr Moar could not be reached for comment.
