There are many reasons why Ballarat must have a full time Mayor.
We are a City of nearly 100,000 people, the regional capital of the west, and home of two universities making Ballarat the academic capital of Victoria.
Combined with a strong and growing manufacturing sector plus a vibrant retail hub, we need a full time mayor.
Ballarat is an important part of the state's economic present and future success and to some degree the nation's.
We have been served well in the past, both by mayors taking on the role part-time and full time. No one can deny the time and dedication of these people.
Now we need the mayor of Ballarat to be a full-time position. What that person receives as remuneration is open to debate.
In the future we may need to elect the mayor by popular vote
As for now, the make-up of our local government structure consists of an elected council, which elec
and for a four-year term. This will be in place in Geelong this year and maybe Ballarat in four years' time.
As Ballarat continues to grow, it is paramount that a full-time mayor leads both the elected councillors and the council staff whose role is to serve the people and support those elected to council.
Gary Fitzgerald
Candidate Central Ward
