Peter Petty continues in his role as Tenterfield mayor after being returned to office in a secret poll of councillors at an extraordinary council meeting on September 26.
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Anticipating a repeat of the close race that put Cr Petty into the chair ahead of fellow nominee and current deputy mayor Don Forbes, the council’s chief executive Terry Dodds engaged the services of local solicitor Kerri Swain to act as returning officer.
“I anticipated from the mood of the room that the vote could go 5-5, and I didn’t want to be the one putting my hand in the hat,” Mr Dodds said.
“I’d prefer to remain at arm’s length.”
Mr Dodds was referring to the 2016 local government poll, after which the future mayor’s name was determined literally by pulling a name out of the hat.
Ultimately, the precautions weren’t warranted this time ’round: the vote was six for Cr Petty and four for Cr Forbes.
While the mayor has a two-year term, the role of deputy mayor is voted on annually.
Last year, Cr Forbes survived a similar hat-drawing decision to beat then-deputy Greg Sauer to the post.
This time, Cr Sauer faced newcomer Bob Rogan for the job.
There was also a clear decision in that poll, with Cr Sauer winning over Cr Rogan seven votes to three.
