Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors have elected Cr Stephen Batty as mayor, ending two weeks of deadlock.
Councillors returned on Tuesday night after the previous mayoral vote split 5-5 twice.
First Vote Ties Again
Chief executive Mark Stoermer opened nominations.
Cr Paul Pingiaro again nominated for the role.
Cr Max Patton then nominated Cr Kate Roper.
Cr Pingiaro told the meeting council needed someone ready to lead immediately.
“Council needs a mayor that’s ready from day one,” Cr Pingiaro said.
Cr Roper pointed to her seven years as a councillor and her previous service as deputy mayor.
She also referred to what she called a “bumpy 18 months” for council.
Cr Roper referenced the State Government-appointed municipal monitors and said there had not been a Western Port mayor in eight years.
“I’m happy to put my hand up and lead this council to a better place,” Cr Roper said.
The first vote ended in another tie.
Council then adjourned for 15 minutes.
Batty Wins After Adjournment
When the meeting resumed, Mr Stoermer called for nominations again.
Cr David Gill nominated Cr Batty.
Cr Andrea Allen nominated Cr Pingiaro.
Councillors voted on Cr Batty first, with the vote taken in alphabetical order.
Cr Batty received six votes.
That gave him the mayoralty and broke the stalemate.
Pingiaro Remains Deputy Mayor
Cr Pingiaro remains Deputy Mayor because councillors had already elected him to that role.
After the vote, Cr Batty thanked Cr Pingiaro for acting in the mayoral role over the past four months.
He said he had been reluctant to accept the nomination after the previous stalemate, but thanked councillors for their support.
Major Decisions Ahead
The result gives the Shire an elected mayor after two failed votes at the previous meeting.
The vote comes at a significant time for Mornington Peninsula Shire.
The council still has a Briars Ward vacancy.
Municipal monitors remain in place.
Councillors also face major decisions across planning, infrastructure, housing, aged care and community services.
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