BOB Stewart has been returned as Bombala’s mayor for an 11th year while Brad Yelds has survived a challenge for the position of deputy.
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Cr Stewart was re-elected unopposed at Bombala Shire Council’s monthly meeting last Wednesday.
Cr Brad Yelds was re-elected as his deputy for a 4th year.
Two other councillors – Dianne Hampshire and Bill Bateman – nominated for the deputy’s position but were unsuccessful.
Cr Bateman received two votes and Cr Hampshire one.
Both Cr Bateman and Cr Hampshire said their nominations for the deputy’s job should not be interpreted as them being dissatisfied with the make-up or performance of the current council.
Cr Bateman – who has more than nine years’ experience as a councillor representing Braidwood for seven years and Bombala for two – answered with an emphatic “yes” when asked whether he would nominate again in the future.
“Yes, I’ll definitely try again,” Cr Bateman said.
“I thought it was important to put my hand up and support my community.
“I believe I have a fair crack at looking after the
people of Delegate,” he said.
Cr Hampshire said she nominated because she believed it was good to get a new mix on council.
“I think it’s good for people to throw their names into the mix,” Cr Hampshire said on Monday.
“People can get a bit blase if they’re in for too long.
“It keeps you fresh if you face a challenge from time to time,” she said.
It also sent a signal to residents that there was a progressive and vibrant council and not just the “same faces” speaking out on issues, she said.
Cr Hampshire said at this stage she did not intend to recontest her position at the next Local Government Election in 2016.
“I’ve been a councillor for six years so it will be eight years by the time the election comes around,” Cr Hampshire said.
“I’m 63 years old ... I think the next two years will see me out,” Cr Hampshire said.
But her decision is not cast in stone.
“I could be persuaded (to re-nominate) by the voters,” she said.
Cr Hampshire said there was a degree of uncertainty hanging over the council as a result of the state government’s proposal to amalgamate councils.
Under the plan – known as Fit for the Future –
Bombala Shire Council would amalgamate with Cooma-Monaro and Snowy shire councils.
“It is yet to be proven that this would be advantageous to us,” she said.
The $9 million incentive being offered the three councils to amalgamate would soon be swallowed up by roadworks, she said.
Cr Yelds was on holidays and was not available for comment.