WEDNESDAY night’s mayoral elections will see deputy mayor Jason Modica contest the top job against councillor Min Poole.
After serving two terms as deputy mayor and running in this year’s federal election, Cr Modica said he has well and truly ticked off his mayoral apprenticeship.
“I do think its an apprenticeship and I’ve done the role twice now under two very different leaders and leadership styles and have worked well with all of them and will take something from them with me if I get through to the position,” Cr Modica said.
“It’s the fourth time we would have been through it (mayoral elections) as a group … so it feels quite natural now.”
Cr Modica attributed experience gained through his federal election campaign to cementing the importance of building relationships with all three levels of government.
“It’s like three apprenticeships wrapped up into one – it just gives you an understanding of how the three levels of government interact and how important it is to have good relationships with the state and federal members,” he said.
“You may not always agree, but it’s important to sit in the room and listen to the concerns of the constituents and also the needs of the state and federal members.
“Like all politics, it is a democracy and we do differ but it’s how we get through the difficult times that’s most important.”
Cr Modica vowed to put the needs of the Sunraysia community first if he is elected in council chambers.
“I think in any form of politics, every time you step out into the community there’s something new and diverse happening,” he said.
“I think it’s showing a degree of humility and realising you are working for the community,” he said.
“It excites me to get that opportunity to go out and listen and to interact with the people on the street and then hopefully we can work together for the benefit of Sunraysia and the municipality of Mildura.”
The Sunraysia Daily website will publish the result after 5.30pm.
Leadership counts for Mark Eckel
FORMER Mildura mayor Mark Eckel says his vote at Wednesday night’s election will be influenced by which councillor demonstrates the best leadership skills, honesty and transparency.
Cr Eckel – who confirmed he will not be contesting the top position – stepped down as mayor last November and passed the baton to councillor Simon Clemence.
While Cr Clemence has not confirmed whether he will seek a second-term as mayor, deputy mayor Jason Modica and councillor Min Poole will put their hands up.
“In the early days of when I was councillor you served an apprenticeship of being deputy mayor and that hasn’t been followed in recent years,” Cr Eckel said.
“I think it’s a good apprenticeship though and that’s something I’ll be considering with Jason who has done just that by serving two terms as deputy mayor.”
Understanding priority projects, building relationships with the state and federal governments and working with community members were all key aspects of the role, according to Cr Eckel.
“You have to be a councillor who can bring people together – that’s non-negotiable,” he said
“But you also have to work with the media, the government and community members.
“It all comes down to honesty, connection and awareness about issues that impact the community.”
Councillors will cast their nominations at Wednesday night’s special meeting, where the majority of votes will determine the next Mildura mayor.
Cr Eckel said the formalities of the election at the council chambers could be over within 20 minutes.
