Long-serving Alderman Steve King has announced his withdrawal from the race for the vacant Glenorchy Mayor position.
“I’ve watched Alderman Bec Thomas evolve in the role of Acting Mayor over the past 6-8 weeks and I have come to the conclusion that I feel she is the best person to serve the community in this role at this time,” he said in a statement. “After discussion with my family and close associates I have decided not to nominate for the role and I am putting my support behind her.”
King said he wants what is best for the Glenorchy community and looks forward to remaining part of the team.
For her part Thomas said she is humbled by the support of King.
“Alderman King has made a selfless decision with the best interests of the community at heart and I greatly appreciate his vote of confidence in me.”
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The mayoral by-election looks set to be a three-way contest between Thomas, sitting Alderman Kelly Sims, and former Clark MHA Sue Hickey.
Sims told Tasmanian Times that she was sorry to see Steve King withdraw as she would prefer to see a strong field offering residents a choice of quality candidates.
“We need less of the group think that’s prevailed in the last council and more Alderman prepared to speak out for the community,” she said. “Unfortunately this decision reinforces the group think mentality the community fears most.”
Sue Hickey described the announcement as ‘fluffy’, saying it should be a contest of who is going to be the best person for the job.
“Given the recent and impending huge deficits, the history of the last huge rate rise and the rumblings of another, the ratepayers are wanting the council to be more fiscally responsible and sustainable,” Hickey said. “I believe the residents of Glenorchy want to see more action from this council and less reports and backroom workshops. They want a clean, safe and vibrant city of which I have a proven track record of delivering.”
The by-elections for mayor and alderman will occur via postal vote from 22 June – 20 July 2021. For more information visit www.tec.tas.gov.au
