By Vanessa Chircop
WHO will be the next Mayor of Hobsons Bay?
This is the question on everyone’s lips, but with this year’s controversies putting a cloud of doubt over the vote, some councillors are remaining coy about who they will be backing.
It has been rumoured for some time that a deal has been made to give two-time deputy Tony Briffa the top job, with Cr John Hogg tipped to be his deputy – despite the fact that Cr Briffa was found guilty of misconduct in August.
Hobsons Bay’s deputy mayor was taken to a Councillor Conduct Panel (CCP) after allegations he sent threatening emails to an Altona resident earlier this year.
As a result of the findings, Cr Briffa has been ordered to attend 12 months counselling under the supervision of the mayor, which has placed a question mark over the appropriateness of him to take on the role.
Cr Briffa told Star that he was very likely to accept a nomination for Mayor.
“I have served as deputy mayor for the last two terms and I am now keen to take on the top job,” he said.
He admitted the CCP decision may be an issue for some councillors but said he hoped they would look more at his performance and not just focus on that issue.
Present Mayor Michael Raffoul said it was too early to discuss who will be appointed to the role in December.
“My vote will be purely based on merit,” he said.
Cr Peter Hemphill told Star it’s probably time for a female to take the lead in Hobsons Bay and confirmed he would not be putting his hand up for the role.
Cr Angela Altair said she did not think the mayoralty should be turned into a gender issue.
“I’m sure the community would hope that whoever is the next mayor will show leadership and courage because that makes a great leader and that’s where a community thrives,” she said.
