Tonight Maroondah Council held its statutory meeting for the election of the mayor and council representatives on committees.

To increase the level of transparency an open election was held and Councillor Maureen Naylor lost the bid for mayor against Councillor Peter Gurr, with three votes versus four.

While I did vote for Councillor Naylor due to her commitment to increase transparency and accountability in the council chamber, I believe that Councillor Gurr will be able to provide he leadership to ensure that Maroondah City Council will meet the challenges that 2007 will present.

In particular, the possibility of stage three water restrictions and the need to advance the Ringwood Transit City, including advocacy for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station, are just two examples of the major challenges facing next year.

This mayoral election marked the first time in the history of Maroondah that an open election was held. This process demonstrates that there is strength in diversity with councillors able to express different opinions while still being part of a unified council.

As part of tonight’s meeting the council delegates for committees were voted upon. In 2007 I will continue my role as council representative for the Eastern Transport Coalition, Maroondah Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee and any Melbourne 2030 Committees (such as the Councillors Reference Group). In addition I will also be one of the councillor representatives on the Maroondah Tourism and Heritage Advisory Board.