IT wasn’t pretty - but Lithgow now has a mayor and deputy mayor.
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There was standing room only in the packed council chambers on Wednesday night as the public crowded in, complete with placards, for the mayoral election.
Two nominations were received for the position of mayor: Cr Maree Statham and Cr Stephen Lesslie.
Crs Ring, Cox, Statham and Smith voted for Statham while Crs McAndrew, Ticehurst, Lesslie and Coleman voted for Lesslie.
There was to be no swing vote – in a move that stunned the packed public gallery, Cr Thompson abstained from voting, leaving the votes tied.
This meant that Lithgow’s mayor was decided literally by the luck of the draw.
General Manager Roger Bailey placed the name of both Cr Statham and Cr Lesslie in a barrel and it was Cr Lesslie who was chosen.
The public gallery were outraged at this mode of selection, and made their feelings clear for the remainder of the meeting.
Although unpopular, this is the official method of selection should two candidates be tied for the position.
Mayor Lesslie said the result is bittersweet, as he’s pleased to be mayor but he was a bit disappointed the result was drawn from a hat.
He also said he understood the community’s disappointment in Maree Statham not being re-elected.
“I can understand the view that having received almost 40 per cent of the vote, she was in a strong position to be re-elected, but when you look at it over 60 per cent of the vote was directed to other candidates so it is a majority decision.”
Councillor Martin Ticehurst is now deputy mayor after being nominated by cr Lesslie, seconded by cr Coleman. Cr Lesslie said Cr Ticehurst’s experience was one reason why he was nominated but declined to comment on others.
While Cr Ticehurst awaits the final penalty of a NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearing which ruled against him, Cr Lesslie said he didn’t make decisions based on speculation and that he thinks Cr Ticehurst has potential.