FIRST-term councillor Mark Rodda has bagged majority of first-preference votes in the Tamworth Regional Council election in a shock result that places him well in front of longstanding councillors.
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Cr Rodda won 3463 primary votes by Sunday afternoon, ahead of current deputy mayor Russell Webb on 3121 votes and mayor Col Murray on 2455.
Cr Rodda declared his seat safe on Saturday night, thanking ratepayers for their votes and vowing to continue being their “servant” for the next four years via his Facebook page.
“Four years ago, I campaigned on the platform of bringing council back to basics and doing things that a council is meant to do,” Cr Rodda said.
“I was surprised by my (result).
“My main hope was that I would increase on my numbers from last time and there’s a big difference.”
Independent candidate Charles Impey, who is likely to be elected with 6.33 per cent of the votes, could overthrow Cr Rodda as the youngest member of council.
It’s a move Cr Rodda welcomes, attributing a rise in younger elected members to more family-friendly council meeting times that cater for full-time work and family commitments.
“(When I was campaigning, there was a little bit of a mood to replace some of the long-term councillors and I guess that’s reflected (in the votes),” Cr Rodda said.
“I’m extremely humbled by the support from my fellow ratepayers.
“I look forward to serving them for the next four years.”
Cr Rodda congratulated fellow candidates who are likely to also be successful, but offered commiserations to those who will miss out as results roll in throughout the week.
While Cr Rodda will not run for mayor, Cr Murray plans to contest the seat he won unopposed for a second term in 2012.
This year, Cr Murray’s own deputy, Russell Webb, is likely to throw his hat into the ring but Cr Webb remains tight-lipped amid mounting speculation.
“It’s certainly on the cards,” Cr Webb said.
“My goal was to get elected (as councillor) and now that I’m elected I’ll consider it.”
Cr Webb celebrated a healthy start to the counting results on Saturday night with a beer at The Tamworth Hotel alongside New England MP and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce.
“I’m feeling very comfortable and very happy to be where I am,” Cr Webb said.
“I’m very thankful for the people who voted me here.”
Cr Webb welcomed what’s shaping up to a be a new-look council.
“Change is always healthy in any organisation,” he said.
“We’ll (likely) see three new faces. I think it could be a … very stable council.”
