By VANESSA CHIRCOP
LESS than three months before nominations close for this October’s Local Government elections, majority of Hobsons Bay councillors say they’re still unsure whether they will re-stand.
With many factors set to influence this year’s election such as Hobsons Bay going from a seven- ward to three-ward structure, the council’s four to three voting history, Councillor Conduct Panel findings and the impending Hemphill v Briffa VCAT hearing, councillors are either remaining coy or unsure whether they will stand.
Hobsons Bay Mayor Tony Briffa said he would be making an announcement regarding his intentions for the 2012 council elections “in due course”.
Deputy Mayor John Hogg said he was yet to decide whether to nominate.
Cr Peter Hemphill, who along with Cr Angela Altair, are Hobsons Bay’s longest serving councillors, said he hadn’t made his mind up one way or another.
Cr Altair and Cr Luba Grigorovitch both said it was a big decision and they were yet to decide.
“There’s a few more people I need to talk to, including my family,” Cr Altair said.
Cr Michael Raffoul did not respond by deadline.
This year’s election, which will be conducted in Hobsons Bay for the first time by postal vote, will be held on 27 October.
For more information about standing for Local Government visit www.vec.vic.gov.au.
