SACKED ex-councillors have confirmed intentions to run in the September election.
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For the past year, Armidale Regional Council has been under the thumb of administrator Dr Ian Tiley.
The administrator was appointed following the decision to merge Armidale Dumaresq and Guyra Shire Councils.
So which old faces will rise from the ashes?
CONFIRMED:
Former Armidale Dumaresq Council mayor Herman Beyersdorf said calls for new blood have not deterred him.
“My intention is to run again, I definitely am the longest serving member of Council with nearly 25 years behind me,” he said.
“In most elections I’ve found there has been a turnover of about 50 per cent, there’s always been a mixture between the steady hand and new blood.
“I can call on a heck of a lot of experience and expertise, while there will be new faces – there should be a mix with the initial transition from one man under the administrator to a new democratically elected Council.”
Mr Beyersdorf credited the former Armidale Dumaresq Council for the success of the Waste Management and Recycling Centre, the Mall Vibrancy Plan, Armidale Regional Airport and related industrial development.
Ex-councillor Andrew Murat will also compete for a seat at the table.
“There is a lot of stuff we started that I would like to finish, it’s a slow process,” Mr Murat said.
“Council doesn’t work as people assume – change takes time.
“I have a number of years experience in business and still work in that area in Armidale, I want to see the airport pushed through, Council is going through a huge period of change and I have the experience to bring to that role.”
UNSURE:
Fence-sitters include Armidale Dumaresq Council’s Colin Gadd and Guyra Shire Council ex-councillors Dot Vickery and Audrey McArdle.
New England Greens Armidale and Tamworth Peter O’Donohue said the Greens will put forward a ticket, but the contender remains faceless for the time being.
DECLINED:
Ex-councillor Laurie Bishop has confirmed he will not stand, but plans to campaign for new faces to join the election.
“It’s a critical time for Armidale,” Mr Bishop said.
“For too long now Armidale hasn’t achieved anywhere near the prosperity it should, anyone who has had one or two terms should step out.
“It’s time for the Armidale population to look forward for new and competent people to make this city as good as it should be.”
The Express is attempting to contact each ex-councillor from Armidale Dumaresq and Guyra Shire Councils.