FORMER Mildura mayor Jason Modica has been endorsed by council to run for the Murray Darling Association Region 4 chair despite concerns there should be “some time under the bridge” before challenging for the role.
Cr Modica returned to his first monthly meeting of councillors at Thursday night’s gathering of councillors, following a two-month suspension after he was found to have engaged in serious misconduct during his one-year term as mayor in 2021.
He was chair of the MDA Region 4 from May 2022 until February 14 this year when a Councillor Conduct Panel ordered that he be banned from all council duties for two months.
He was also ruled ineligible to chair a delegated committee of the council until the end of the current financial year.
Councillors were told this week that Cr Modica had expressed an interest in placing a nomination to be considered by the MDA at the upcoming Region 4 AGM.
Cr Modica indicated he would alternatively wish to be considered for a committee member position with the MDA Region 4.
He was required to obtain council support for the nominations to be accepted for consideration by the MDA.
Stefano de Pieri, who moved that council provide in principle support for Cr Modica’s bid, said his colleague had a huge passion for management of waterways and irrigation.
“He understands the issues,” Cr de Pieri said.
“The nomination speaks for itself … he stands on his record.”
Seconder Cr Helen Healy said Cr Modica’s credentials made him a wise choice to receive council backing.
“His knowledge of water (and) water management is unprecedented in this chamber,” she said.
“He understands the issues confronting the future sustainability in relation to the river and water usage.
“I just think he’s the best man for the job.”
But Cr Glenn Milne poured cold water on the proposal.
“I’ve had a discussion with Cr Modica with my reasons for voting against this,” he said.
“Given the recent suspension I just think it’s probably not the best time to put Cr Modica up for such an important position.
“I would like to see some time under the bridge and I’ll just leave it at that.”
In concluding the debate, Cr de Pieri fired back.
“I reflect on the comments just being made,” he said.
“When a person has paid a price, a person has paid a price and is entitled to move on with flying colours so I still stand by my motion.”
The Councillor Conduct Panel found that Cr Modica failed to disclose a conflict of interest on three occasions about a planning application that may have impacted his sister who was operating a business without permit similar to the application in question.
He initially denied any wrongdoing before contacting investigators the following morning and admitted that he had lied during the first interview.
Councillors this week voted eight to one in favour of providing in-principle support for Cr Modica’s nomination as MDA chair and/or committee member.
