Mayor in party line vote row

– Bridget Cook
THE Greater Dandenong Council meeting to elect the new mayor was not without drama, as some councillors accused ALP members of voting along party lines.
Councillor Roz Blades defeated Cr Yvonne Herring at the special council meeting held last Thursday night.
Crs Jim Memeti, Peter Brown, Pinar Yesil, Loi Truong, Youhorn Chea and Angela Long voted for Cr Blades, while John Kelly and Paul Donovan voted for Cr Herring.
Following Cr Blades’ election win, each councillor had the opportunity to speak.
While most councillors took the opportunity to congratulate Cr Blades on the win and commend outgoing mayor Jim Memeti on his efforts, some did not.
“I may be accused of sour grapes, but unless you’re a member of the Labor Party, you don’t get voted in on this council,” Cr Herring said.
“I believe the Labor Party lost the election on the weekend, but it’s still working around this council.”
Cr Donovan agreed.
“It was a disappointing result,” he said.
“I think the Labor Party continues to stitch up the result to themselves.”
Cr Yesil told Cr Donovan to “get over it”.
ALP member Youhorn Chea said the claims were unfounded and that he voted for Cr Blades as he believed she was the “best person” for the job.
Cr Truong also agreed.
“I voted for Roz because I believe it’s what the people would want,” he said.
Cr Kelly did not take up the opportunity to speak at the meeting.