Maroondah’s mayoral election and the process surrounding the appointment has received coverage in the Maroondah Leader:

Maroondah’s new mayor Tony Dib has taken the chair amid accusations of factionalism and backroom deals. Cr Dib was elected mayor by one vote in a four-three split over rival Cr Alex Makin last Wednesday night.

It is a shame that the position of mayor was not conducted in an open and transparent manner as it denies the community the opportunity to hear about the priorities and objectives of the mayor for the next twelve months.

After the meeting Cr Taylor said the successful four had struck a deal last year to vote for each other in subsequent mayoral elections.

Preventing mayoral candidates from being able to speak in support of their nomination, denies the community and council the opportunity of hearing about their vision for Maroondah over the next twelve months.

Cr Makin said he was disappointed that he was not allowed to speak in support of his nomination.

“Decisions should be made in the chamber and candidates for mayor should be free to put their best case forward so that councillors and the public know where they stand and what they want to achieve,” Cr Makin said.

The community and councillors have the right to know the priorities of the mayor, so that they can judge potential candidates on their merits.

“The block of four certainly exists in terms of mayoral elections. The current system allows for deals to be made and that I think puts a question mark over the quality of local democracy”