THE countdown is on for the election that will determine who will lead Mildura Council for the next year.
Mildura councillors will cast their votes in council chambers Wednesday night to elect a mayor — a position which deputy mayor Jason Modica and councillor Min Poole intend to raise their hands for.
Simon Clemence, who has served as mayor since last November, has still not confirmed whether he will pursue a second-term.
But Cr Modica and Cr Poole have both expressed their desire to contest the top job and step into a role which brings increased community leadership and responsibility.
Councillors Helen Healy, Mark Eckel, Glenn Milne, Greg Brown and Gavin Sedgmen will not contest the Mayoral position, while Cr Anthony Cirillo remains tight-lipped.
Last year’s mayoral election saw Cr Clemence voted in to the top position after fighting off a challenge from Cr Poole with six votes to two in a show of hands.
Cr Clemence, who is also a former police inspector, has been a passionate advocate for boosting safety across Sunraysia and championing the Mildura Future Ready strategy in his mayoral role.
Under the Local Government Act 1989, the Mildura mayor could earn up to $79,612 which was recently boosted by 2 per cent.
The special council meeting to elect the mayor and deputy mayor will be held from 5.30pm Wednesday at the council’s Deakin Avenue chambers.
