Parkes Shire residents will head to the polling booths on Saturday, September 8, to elect their council representatives for the next four years.
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Already, the majority of current councillors have indicated they will be seeking a further four-year term.
The exceptions include Deputy Mayor John Magill and Councillors Wayne Scott and Louise O’Leary who are all undecided.
Cr Magill told the Champion Post yesterday that he was still weighing up his options and would make a final decision shortly, Cr Scott said he was leaning more to the ‘no side’ because of his work commitments while Cr O’Leary said she is yet to make a final decision.
Mayor Ken Keith, who could not be contacted, is expected to stand for a ninth term (and 30th year) on council.
Cr Kenny McGrath said he will be a definite starter in seeking a fifth term, while councillors Barbara Newton, Patrica Smith, Alan Ward, Bob Haddin and George Pratt all said they would again throw their hats into the ring.
The Local Government Act stipulates that council elections throughout the state be held every four years on the second Saturday in September.
Parkes Shire Council has engaged the New South Wales electoral Commission to conduct this year’s election.
Plans are underway to conduct a community briefing for those interested in standing for election to council.
According to General Manager Kent Boyd, the community meeting will be in addition to the information sessions conducted by the New South Wales Electoral Funding Authority (EFA).
“I encourage all members of the community who are interested in becoming a councillor to attend the various sessions that will be held across the state,” Mr Boyd said.
The EFA will conduct their seminars in May, June and July – details of which can be found on their website – efa.nsw.gov.au.
The seminars will also be promoted through advertising in rural, regional and metropolitan newspapers.
“Here in Parkes the community information meeting will be held in the Council Chambers on Wednesday, July 4, between the hours of 5pm and 8pm,” Mr Boyd said.
“Anyone wishing information on the roles and responsibilities of a councillor can do so by calling into the Parkes Shire Council office,” Mr Boyd said.
