By Ruza Zivkusic
MELTON Shire Council’s mayoral election which will be held tomorrow (Wednesday), may bring a few surprises as only one councillor has confirmed his interest for the mayoral position while two others have declined to comment.
Deputy mayor Cr Justin Mammarella said he was encouraged by his fellow councillors to run for the position as he felt that he was ready to take up the challenge.
Mayor Chris Papas laughed last week when asked by Star whether he was going to enter the game of retaining his position, saying he had “no comments” to make.
Courthouse Ward Cr Deborah Warren kept the cards close to her chest as she said she was “not ruling anything out”.
Councillors Garry Stock, Bruce Rowan and Sophie Ramsey, the shire’s mayor two years ago, said they were not interested in the mayoral hot seat.
Cr Renata Cugliari failed to return Star’s calls before the deadline.
Cr Mammarella, a 30-year-old father of two, said that he did not put his hand up for the role last year because he was not ready for the challenge.
But a year later, which has seen the Taylors Hill resident tackle the poor condition of gardens and streets by introducing a local law to beautify the shire, and pressuring Delfin Lend Lease, along with residents, to see more land was made available for a third school to be built in Caroline Springs, has got his confidence boosted for the mayor’s role.
He said he would like to see a greater communication between the community and council as last year’s attempt to change the name of Melton Shire Council proved unsuccessful when only a minority of residents submitted their suggested names.
“What I find is that sometimes many residents aren’t aware of certain things, whether it be by-laws, council initiatives or policies,” he said.
“I want to look into a better way of getting a message through to the residents so they are well aware of what our council is up to,” Cr Mammarella said.
He praised the work of Cr Papas, saying he was an inspiration to council as he “always put community’s thoughts and issues at heart”.
“He has filled the gap where it was necessary. I’d like to see the gap between the western part of the shire and the eastern corridor reduced,” he said.
