Burwood residents might vote for mayor
Wednesday 23 July, 2008 12:00pm
BURWOOD residents will elect their own mayor in 2012, providing a constitutional referendum to be held in September succeeds.
Mayor John Faker's proposal was considered at this week's council meeting and the other councillors agreed to put it to the vote of the people.
The referendum for a popularly elected mayor will be held in conjunction with the September 13 local government elections.
Cr Faker said there were many reasons why Burwood was ready for a popularly elected mayor.
"It provides continuity for a four-year period," he said. "It's also very disruptive to hold mayoral elections every year and there's significant pressure on councillors to support a candidate."
He said a long-term mayor could carry out specific programs in those four years.
"While the Burwood community is becoming more involved and more proactive in how things happen at council, residents will appreciate the chance to directly decide who will be representing them as mayor when they go to vote," he said.
Cr Faker said the number of councillors did not need to be increased. If the referendum is carried by a majority of "yes" votes, six councillors and one popularly elected mayor would form council in September 2012.
