‘It has been a good run’: Most Murray Bridge councillors will seek re-election
Of the 10 elected members in Murray Bridge, at least six will stand as candidates again in 2022.
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After four years of visible progress in Murray Bridge, most of the city’s councillors say they’re keen to stay on for another term.
Nominations opened on Tuesday for the upcoming council election, which will be decided with a postal vote in October and November.
Mayor Brenton Lewis will retire at the poll, Cr Wayne Thorley will aim to replace him, and former councillor Tyson Matthews has already resigned.
Of the seven remaining councillors, five said they intended to stand for re-election.
That included businessman Andrew Baltensperger, who earned the most votes in 2018.
He pointed to the Adelaide Road linear park, the splash park at Murray Bridge Swimming Centre and the ongoing revitalisation of Sturt Reserve as examples of the council’s recent success.
“I think there’s more good things to do,” he said.
“It has been a good run and we want to keep it going.”
Clem Schubert – the longest-serving councillor, with almost 25 years under his belt, and one of only two with an agricultural background – said he, too would like to go again.
“It’s a good time to keep rolling, I think,” he said.
“I’m getting on, but I like to think I’m still contributing to the town and the community.”
Incumbent councillors John DeMichele and Mat O’Brien both told Murray Bridge News they would seek a second term, while Karen Eckermann said she would go for a third.
Each suggested they could bring something unique to the table.
Only Airlie Keen, who ran a strong independent campaign at the recent state election, and Fred Toogood, a councillor since 2013, said they were still undecided about whether to run again.
Cr Keen declined to comment, while Cr Toogood said he would talk with his family.
“When I put my hand up to do something, I like to do it properly,” he said.
Candidates have until September 6 to nominate.
Council CEO Michael Sedgman suggested anyone with an interest in civic leadership and public service should consider putting their hands up.
“We encourage any member of the community who thinks they can make a contribution (to nominate),” he said.
- Nominate as a council election candidate: candidateportal.ecsa.sa.gov.au/home.
Have your say and shape Murray Bridge News’ election coverage
What will help you make up your mind as you decide who to vote for?
We want to hear about the issues that matter to you in Murray Bridge and the Coorong at these elections.
We can put your concerns to each of the candidates and help you find out where they stand.
- Have your say: www.surveymonkey.com.
How to vote in the council elections
Voting in this year’s council elections will be by post.
Residents and registered voters should receive their ballot papers between October 14 and 20, and will be due to return them by November 10.
Votes will be counted and a winner declared on November 12.
- More information: www.ecsa.sa.gov.au.
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