THERE were no real surprises when nominations closed yesterday for next month’s Lithgow City Council elections.
When the nomination books closed at midday on Wednesday there were 40 candidates ready to bid for the nine positions on council.
In the order they appeared on yesterday afternoon’s listings from the returning office they are: Anthony Craig, Cassie Harvison, Col Hunter, Frank Inzitari, Wayne McAndrew, Maree Statham, Ray Thompson, Martin Ticehurst, Michael Alexander, Cassandra Coleman, Patrick Craig, Ross Higlett, Joe McGinnes, David Peters, Paul Phillips, Peter Pilbeam, Justin Coombes-Pearce, Lyn Fowler, Sue Graves, Anna Ius, Mitch Luka, Steve Marshall, Jeff Thurlow, Sue Banning, Zoe Barnes, Eric Chambers, Kathy Dickson, Rod Gurney, Olwyn King, Lee Wiggins, Frank Capamolla, Julie Dawes. Rebecca Hamment, Chris Mitchell, Max Nightingale, Kathy Noble, Chris Ray, Murray Besley, Jeff Dean and Steve Jackson.
The list includes five sitting councillors, one who held an aldermanic position years ago, and four who have unsuccessfully sought election in the past.
The remainder are first time candidates, including three last minute nominations, Patrick Craig (DLP), Jeff Dean (independent) and Steve Jackson (independent).
The list represents a wide cross section of community interests from across the local government area.
Missing in the final count was at least one who had previously announced in the media his intention of nominating, Peter Lee.
Also missing for the first time in years were mayor Neville Castle, Deputy Mayor Howard Fisher and Cr Grahame Danaher who are all retiring at the September 8 election.
