WHITTLESEA: Mayor backs down, takes personal leave
Whittlesea Mayor Cr Aidan McLindon has backed down from a position that he would not stand down whilst standing for the Werrivee by-election.
His Councillor colleagues issued a statement on Friday (Jan. 24), confirming that Cr McLindon would now stand down from the top municipal position,
“We, the undersigned Councillors of the Whittlesea City Council, wish to clarify recent social media commentary regarding Council policies,” the statement said.
“Council policy is adopted collectively by a majority of Councillors sitting as council and not by any one individual Councillor.
“We acknowledge that our Mayor, Cr McLindon, has chosen to stand for a by-election in Werribee. This is his democratic right as an elector in the State of Victoria.
“From 12pm on the January 23 to 11.59pm on February 8, Cr McLindon has indicated his intention to take personal leave, and Cr Zinni will perform Mayoral duties during this time for the City of Whittlesea.
“Any comments made by Mr McLindon as a candidate during this period are his own personal views and do not represent the position of council, councillors and/or the City of Whittlesea.
“Only official statements issued by the City of Whittlesea should be regarded as the Council’s official policy position(s).”
The statement was signed by Deputy Mayor Cr Zinni, Cr Cox, Cr Stow, Cr Taylor, Cr Lappin, Cr Lenberg, Cr Gunn, Cr Colwell, Cr Kozmevski, and Cr Brooks.