Goulburn Mulwaree's mayoral contest on Tuesday night is shaping up as a two-man race.
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Bob Kirk is vying to extend his five-years as mayor until September, 2022 when councillors again elect a councillor for the top job.
The Post also understands Cr Peter Walker will nominate for the mayoral position. He did not return requests for comment but councillors, who were not nominating for the role themselves, have said there would be two candidates. Cr Walker, the deputy mayor of the past three years, unsuccessfully stood against Cr Kirk in September 2020.
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But with five new faces on the council, the contest may be a more open one.
Cr Kirk said he had heard there would be another contender but he was not surprised. The man who topped the poll at the December 4 election said he wants the mayoral position again.
"That's the reason I stood. My campaign was based on proven community leadership and performance," he said.
"I stand by it and it's my intention to provide continuity and stability. I've built up a lot of connections over the years and I want to use them for the community's benefit."
He has previously cited the aquatic centre, performing arts centre, the waste water treatment plant upgrade, the Wollondilly and Mulwaree riverwalks, Riverside Park and adventure playground as among the previous council's achievements. Some of these projects are ongoing.
The deputy mayor's role is also up for grabs. At this stage, newcomer Steve Ruddell has declared his intention to run. Cr Carol James is also strongly considering a tilt.
General manager Warwick Bennett said on Friday morning he had not received any formal nominations but councillors could do so from the floor at Tuesday night's meeting. The nomination had to be in writing and seconded by two other councillors.
Cr Andrew Banfield believed the mayoral tussle would be one of the toughest since he was elected in 2008.
"Bob has done an outstanding job in conjunction with the past council," he said.
"The place is looking great but I don't think anyone should rest on their laurels. If he gets the job it will be for community leadership and stability and if Peter wins, it will be for fresh ideas."
Cr Carol James told The Post she would be supporting Cr Kirk.
"The community has spoken with their vote for him," she said.
"He has been a very good and calm leader, is able to speak to anyone, is without ego and dedicated to the cause. He's very down to earth and the logical person to lead the council."
Cr James believed two contenders could cause a split in allegiances and she preferred calm.
She was seeking a seconder for her deputy mayoral nomination and, as the only woman on the council, hoped to provide gender diversity in its leadership.
Cr Ruddell told The Post he had the time and work flexibility to support whoever won the top job.
"It's a good learning curve and I like learning new things," he said.
"I want to get a bit of experience first. I believe there should be only four people putting their hands up for mayor - the existing councillors."
He believed a good leader should be prepared to "get their hands dirty" but also delegate.
Cr Dan Strickland wanted to settle in before considering either position.
"(In a leader) I'd consider how the former council operated and Bob's leadership but also where the community vote went. Bob was right out in front. He would be a wise choice to continue," he said.
Cr Michael Prevedello was not pondering either post.
Neither was Cr Andy Wood. He said he would weigh up who best matched his election platform.
"Goulburn Mulwaree is at a crossroads," he said.
"There's a tonne of new housing development, people are moving in, Canberra is outgrowing its land and prices are going up," he said.
"A lot of new business and industry wants to come to town and whoever we have as mayor needs to be someone who's dynamic and will continue the upward trend. Bob has been a very visible leader and has certainly achieved some community goals. People are happy with that and I have to weigh that up."
Cr Jason Shepherd was also not running for either position. He declined to say who he'd be supporting.
Councillors will choose the method of voting from preferential or ordinary ballot, or an open show of hands.
Tuesday's meeting will also elect councillors to committees. It starts at 6pm and will be livestreamed on the council's website.
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