ONLY one Horsham Rural City Councillor has so far confirmed they will stand for mayor at next month’s mayoral election.
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With the election less than two weeks away, Cr Mark Radford declared he would run for the role, while Crs John Robinson and David Grimble said they were still undecided.
Current Mayor Pam Clarke said she would not run again, stepping down after two years in the role.
“I won’t be running for the role; I think two years is enough,” Cr Clarke said.
“It is exhausting and I’m very tired. It really is a privilege and not a right to be a mayor. I’m happy if someone else steps up and has a go.”
Cr Radford held the mayoral position in 2014/15 and said he looked forward to throwing his hat into the ring again.
“At this stage I’m planning to run. I’ve run three times before and was mayor once,” he said.
“It was a great privilege the first time round and I’m hoping to nominate for the role again.”
Cr Robinson said he was still undecided.
“I haven’t made a decision yet, one way or the other,” he said.
“I certainly believe that we need to see a change in direction and think about what are the best outcomes and the best leadership for this community.”
Cr Grimble said he would consult with his fellow councillors before deciding to run for the role.
“At this stage, if intend to run, I will talk to the other councillors beforehand. The position is well suited to me putting my hand up, but I will have to consider work commitments too,” he said.
Cr Grimble held the position between 2012 and 2014.
Crs Les Power, Alethea Gulvin and Josh Koenig have ruled themselves out of the race.
Cr Power said he had too many outside commitments.
“I’d love to, but I can’t because of work commitments. I’ve only been on council for two years, so I’m not experienced enough to take on the role just yet,” he said.
Cr Gulvin said she was “definitely” not running.
“I’ve got lots of other things on my plate. It’s been a very long term so far,” she said.
Cr Koenig also said he had work commitments.
“It’s not in my plans at the moment. I’m very busy with work commitments and my family. I won’t be running this time around,” he said.
Councillors will vote in the next mayor on November 7. A statutory meeting will be held on November 8 where an official public announcement will be made.