Ballarat seems to be suffering from a lack of candidates willing to throw their hat in the City of Ballarat ring.
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With major economic projects in the balance - and October 22 only six months away - potential candidates for the upcoming council elections are few and far between.
Of the current nine councillors, only three, Des Hudson, Peter Innes and Jim Rinaldi have confirmed they will stand again. Cr Rinaldi confirmed his intention to run again to The Courier on Wednesday citing a desire to complete “unfinished projects” as a key factor in his decision to run.
“As a council we need to see projects through,” Cr Rindaldi said. “I see my role as looking after the little guy. I’ve got no issue in voting for what I think is right regardless of how other councillors vote..I don’t have a hidden agenda.”
Of The Courier’s list of potential council candidates, several have indicated they are still considering their options, with the workload and the pay proving a major factor. North ward Councillor Vicki Coltman said she was still weighting up her options but leaning towards running for council again.
“It’s an incredibly huge commitment but I’m not complaining as I do love the job and the strategic discussion and work with the community that comes with it,” Cr Coltman said.
“However, from a career point of view and personal development point of view, if I was to run again, I would be seeking to be employed in a job as well as my role as a councillor... it’s a lot to consider.”
Ballarat councillors Samantha McIntosh, Belinda Coates and Glen Crompton said they were all still deciding whether or not to take the plunge. Cr McIntosh said the welcomed appointment of the city’s new chief executive Justine Linley from Northern Grampians Shire would be a deciding factor for her.
“I’m still considering my options,” Cr McIntosh said.“I’m waiting to see how the appointment of new chief executive pans out and will make a decision closer to the time.”
Cr Crompton said as the city’s populations swells to record levels and the demand for infrastructure continues to soar, the pressure on councillors has never been greater.
The Courier contacted Cr Amy Johnson for comment and is awaiting a response. As for the rest of the field, only four candidates have put their hands up so far. Former City of Ballarat senior officer and gay rights activist, Ron Egeberg, retired farmer Grant Tillett and Ballarat born up-and-comer Robert Edward Smith.
Gary Fitzgerald, who is retired and volunteers at the Ballarat Tourist Information Centre will also stand again in Central Ward.