TWO serving councillors have announced their intention to nominate for the vacant position of mayor of the Derwent Valley Council, promising to bring stability to the unsettled local authority. Acting mayor Jessica Cosgrove and fellow councillor Julie Triffett join the two other publicly-declared mayoral candidates Michelle Dracoulis and Peter Binny.
A dual by-election will be held next month to elect a new councillor and mayor following the recent resignation of Ben Shaw after three years as mayor. Two other councillor vacancies in November and December were filled by recounts and another vacancy is expected in coming weeks when Cr Frank Pearce leaves the municipality.
With seven years’ experience on the council, Cr Triffett (pictured above right) said she would be a full-time mayor, ready to listen to the community and help where possible. “I will try to bring stability to council, promote the Advocacy document, mentor and support my fellow councillors, promote women’s issues – not only the issue of domestic violence but also homelessness – and the lack of superannuation for councillors. I will be the connection between the community and council,” Cr Triffett said.
Cr Cosgrove (pictured above left) said she was proud to have been the council’s first female deputy mayor and acting mayor, and she had received great encouragement to nominate for next month’s mayoral by-election. “Amidst recent events within the Derwent Valley, I believe stability and greater community consultation is needed. I believe I can offer that due to my more ‘servant’ leadership style, as the role of elected members is to work for the people of our community, and no-one should be forgotten.”
Cr Triffett was first elected to the council in 2014 and ran for mayor at the 2018 election when she finished in third place in the field of six candidates. Cr Cosgrove was first elected to the council in 2018 and secured the role of deputy mayor at the same time. After three years, Crs Cosgrove and Triffett are two of only three of the councillors elected in 2018 still on the council.
Any other intending candidates for the position of mayor and/or councillor are invited to make themselves known to damian@newnorfolknews.com.
Anyone who is not enrolled to vote in the Derwent Valley municipality has until 6pm on January 13 to register. Click here for more information.
