WHITTLESEA: Cox voted in as Mayor
The Labor Party is back in charge at Whittlesea Council, with long-time ALP Councillor Lawrie Cox voted as Mayor at Tuesday night’s special meeting (Nov. 18).
It appears that controversial right-wing Councillor, Aidan McLindon, played a large part in forming the seven votes won by Cr Cox, an absolute majority.
Cr Martin Taylor had been keen to continue the Mayoral role that he has held for the past seven months, succeeding Cr McLindon who had been suspended for six months.
As recently as last weekend, Cr Taylor had posted social media messaging that he was keen to continue in the role. He was not nominated.
There appears to be little love lost between Cr Taylor and Cr McLindon.
Voting for Cr Cox were Crs Colwell, Cox, Gunn, Lappan, McLindon, Taylor and Zinni.
Cr Cox beat Cr Davixd Lenberg for the top position. Cr Lenberg had been nominated by Crs Christine Stowe and Michael Labrador.
Cr Cox recounted that he first joined the Council in 1979, and was Shire President in 1982. He was Mayor in 2018.
He acknowledged the contributions of Cr Taylor and Cr Zinni.
He described his role of Mayor as “first amongst equals”.
In his reflections, Cr Cox made mention of Cr Tom Joseph, who looked likely to be the first person of Indian origin to become Mayor before the Council was axed by the State Government. Cr Cox said Cr Joseph was treated poorly.
Memories of past Shire Secretaries and CEOs were made by Cr Cox, with particular reference to Lindsay Esmonde. He also said that he believed former CEO Simon Overland was treated poorly.
Cfr Blair Colwell will be Deputy Mayor, having been nominated by Crs Taylor and Lappan. The six votes of absolute majority were cast in his favour by Crs Colwell, Cox, Gunn, Lappan, Taylor and Zinni.
Pictured: Cr Lawrie Cox at tonight’s Whittlesea Council meeting.