THE ballot draw for Tamworth Regional Council nominees threw up some unexpected turns on Wednesday night, with the late withdrawal of a sitting councillor and two out-of-towners taking out the top spots.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
First-term councillor Tim Coates shocked everyone after it was announced he was a late withdrawal from this year’s election.
Mr Coates had previously told The Leader he was considering his future before he had officially nominated.
Manilla candidate Jim Maxwell took out the coveted number one spot for the ungrouped candidates on the ballot paper, while Andrew Brown from Bowling Alley Point was drawn second.
Liberal candidates Noel O’Brien, Mitch Hanlon and Gerry Griffiths were drawn first for the grouped candidates, ahead of the only other grouped ticket, comprised of former TRC general manager Glenn Inglis and sitting councillor James Treloar.
Mr Maxwell was “very happy” drawing pole position, but said he’d have to wait and see whether it makes a difference in his bid.
Mr Maxwell still believes he has to get most of the primary vote from Manilla and Barraba to secure a spot.
Former councillor Ray Tait drew number four and he said the “order would be very significant”.
In his bid for re-election in 2012, Mr Tait was drawn last and said he was quite happy to get a higher spot up the list, this time around.
“The community aren’t fickle though, and they will vote accordingly,” he said.
“You can’t sit on your hands.”
In an ironic twist, first-time nominee Charles Impey was drawn last after being the last candidate to officially nominate.
“I’m not disappointed, I think if people want to vote for you, they will find your name. It shouldn’t matter if you’re at the top or bottom,” he said.
TRC ballot paper order for ungrouped candidates: Jim Maxwell, Andrew Brown, Helen Tickle, Ray Tait, Mark Rodda, Warren Woodley, Col Murray, Warwick Lindsay, David McKinnon, Juanita Wilson, Phil Betts, Chris Achurch, Russell Webb, Charles Impey.