Mayor Loses In Uprising

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday September 24, 2008

By BEN SMEE

FORMER mayor Ron Swan has been dumped from Port Stephens Council by a protest vote that saw several high-profile council critics elected.

In the final wash-up, Mr Swan was rolled by outspoken former shire president Bruce MacKenzie, whose huge group vote was enough to propel the second candidate on his ticket, Shirley O'Brien, on to the the new council.

Attempts by The Herald to contact Mr Swan after the results were made public last night were unsuccessful.

Mr Swan said last week that he had not run a proper campaign because he was busy fulfilling his role as mayor.

He conceded there was a feeling of discontent within the community, but said there were always votes to be won by running a negative campaign.

"I could have (campaigned) by attacking council, but I chose not to go down that path," he said.

Strong support for candidates who ran campaigns attacking the council should ensure a lively first meeting on October 7.

Cr MacKenzie and Cr O'Brien will be joined by returning councillors Steve Tucker and Geoff Dingle in central ward.

Council critic Frank Ward is the new face in east ward, joining returning councillors Sally Dover, John Nell and Bob Westbury.

In west ward, Josh Hodges lost his spot after pre-election revelations that adult gay pornography was found on his council-issued computer.

Mr Hodges was beaten by Glenys Francis, Peter Kafer and Ken Jordan, who received a big enough share of the vote to have his number two candidate, Daniel Maher, elected.

The council will vote for a new mayor at its first meeting, with Cr MacKenzie an early favourite.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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