Legal advice sought to clarify Mayoral Election

2 Sep 2015 3:58 PM -

There were two nominations for Mayor and following the votes being counted there were four votes for Cr Phyllis Miller, four votes for Cr Graeme Miller and there was one vote declared informal as it could not be determined who the Councillor was voting for.

As the returning officer, General Manager Brian Steffen said it was his view that as there were two candidates with equal votes, the two names would be placed in a hat and the name drawn out would be elected Mayor.

Councillors then resolved to hold another vote with the result of Cr Graeme Miller being elected Mayor.

Mr Steffen said the process of holding another vote was queried on the night and it was decided to leave the Mayor and Deputy Mayor positions as they are until legal advice can be provided.

Therefore, Councillor Phyllis Miller remains as Mayor with Councillor Graeme Miller Deputy Mayor.

“I am still waiting for the legal advice and once received all Councillors will be notified in the first instance to resolve a way forward,” Mr Steffen said.