Greater Dandenong mayor John Kelly with his family including, from left, sons Matt and Josh, wife Liz, son Tim and daughter Sarah after a nailbiting mayoral election in Springvale last week.By Shaun Inguanzo
JOHN Kelly is the City of Greater Dandenong’s new mayor after an action-packed and emotion-charged election last night.
The Dandenong born-and-bred councillor will wear the robes for the first time in his 14 years on the council after an amazing show of compassion from three of his councillor colleagues.
Councillors Maria Sampey, Alan Gordon and Sue Walton defied the Labor Party line that has denied Cr Kelly – who has in the past shown support for the Liberal Party – from mayoral honours during his time.
They voted for Cr Kelly along with councillors Yvonne Herring and Paul Donovan and, of course, Cr Kelly himself, to defeat the only other nominee, councillor Jim Memeti, six votes to five.
But the trio of Labor councillors now faces the fury of Labor Party officials and colleagues – a fact made public during last night’s special meeting.
Cr Herring said the Labor councillors had “broken tradition” and would “get hell afterwards” from Labor Party colleagues.
But she said the trio should be admired by residents for their courage under pressure.
Cr Donovan said that while party members may be upset, the community would thank the trio for their votes.
“Cr Kelly is the hardest working councillor here,” Cr Donovan said.
He said councillors had in the past been slaves to “party politics and their sole, petty ambitions”.
“And even I am guilty of that to an extent,” he said.
The crowd erupted into applause with many people saying “about time”, as Cr Kelly fought back tears.
Cr Kelly donned the robes and took the mayor’s seat and thanked those who voted for him.
“This is a great privilege and an honour,” he said.
“I am looking forward to the challenges ahead.
“I’d like to acknowledge my friends, family and supporters, and my mum and dad who are here tonight.”
All councillors then gave a short and formal speech congratulating Cr Kelly, and also outgoing mayor Youhorn Chea.
City of Greater Dandenong CEO John Bennie welcomed Cr Kelly to the role and thanked Cr Chea for his mayoral term.
