MidCoast Council Cr Kathryn Bell wants electors to decide how their mayor is elected.
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Yesterday, August 14 Cr Bell put forward a notice of motion before the council meeting seeking to: "assert the right of electors to determine the method of election of their mayor."
While the motion was lost, ratepayers have backed the suggestion, posting comments of support on the Great Lakes Advocate Facebook page.
Bruce Castrey from Blueys Beach wrote: "We certainly never got a good one by drawing names from a hat."
Taree resident, Michael Parsons said it seemed like a good idea.
"I think that the public should be allowed to make the choice of mayor."
However, Scott Davies, also from Taree pointed out that ratepayers had voted against the idea.
"Whether you think it's a good idea or not is not the point," Mr Davies posted.
"Voters had their rights taken away.
"You want to encourage young people to vote, but it makes it look bad when they see their vote be disregarded with no respect whatsoever."
Stephen Ballantine asked why the community can't have councillors representing specific wards.
"Or instead, live south of the Manning. Forget any effective representation on MCC."
Deborah Alford-Collis said she agreed.
"But, really who believes that will happen.
"They don't give a damn what we want or think."
Maureen Camilleri believed the community should be able to elect the mayor.
"Preferably not an existing councillor.
"(And) of course it would have been defeated; one would not expect anything else from them, they run their own race."
Yes, the people should elect the mayor and take politicking out of it, Julius Huszarek posted.
"We did. We voted against the merger and then our vote became worthless," Scott Davies said.
"They completely disrespected the voters completely."
Katrina Stanfield from Taree was disappointed Cr Bell's notice of motion was defeated.
"Councillors will now decide who is mayor."
Fellow Taree resident, Sharon Baker said it didn't (seem to) matter what the ratepayers wanted, while Brad Fletcher said there was no point having input when councillors didn't listen.