The Maroondah Journal has reported on the outcome of Maroondah’s statutory meeting where Cr. Tony Dib was elected mayor:

The night was not short of controversy, with councillors Maureen Naylor and Jo-anne Taylor calling for a division of the votes. Both requested Cr Dib and candidate Cr Alex Makin to speak about why they wanted the top job, but were refused.

It was unfortunate that the request to hear from mayoral candidates was denied, as it prevents both council and the community from being able to hear the priorities of each candidate.

Cr Alex Makin said it would have been better to open up the nominations, rather than keep the decision behind closed doors.

Maroondah councillors are accountable to the residents and ratepayers of Maroondah and it is therefore imperative that the community is able to view the mayoral election in an open and transparent manner.

“Obviously it was all scripted, and the fact they didn’t allow nominees to speak in support of their candidates shows that deals were done”