The Maroondah Journal has reported on the events surrounding Maroondah’s mayoral election, where for the first time in Maroondah’s history there was an open process for the position of mayor.

A dispute about the openness and accountability of Maroondah Council spilled into the council chamber last week as two councillors battled for the mayoral position.

Newly elected Mayor Peter Gurr needs to be commended for understanding the reasons behind Councillor Maureen Naylor’s nomination for mayor within the council chambers. Public debate and openness is the key to ensuring wider community participation and engagement within council decisions.

The council chamber since it is viewable by the public must become the forum for open debate rather than simply being a rubber stamp for decisions.

First-term councillor Alex Makin thought it was good to see some openness and transparency in the council chamber. “This acknowledges that there could be more discussion in the main chamber. Maureen needs to be congratulated but this is not about dividing a council, it is about having a difference of opinion and working together as a unified group.”