Roz to rule

By Bridget Cook
GREATER Dandenong councillor Roz Blades is likely to take the reins as mayor tonight, as an unofficial vote shows the numbers are on her side.
A special meeting will be held at the Springvale Council Chambers at 6pm tonight to elect the new mayor in front of the public.
But some councillors revealed that a straw poll, an unofficial vote indicating the trend of opinion on a candidate, held behind closed doors on Monday night, showed Cr Blades as the front-runner.
Councillors voted in a secret ballot on Monday, but Thursday night’s election will involve the raising of hands for the public to see.
It is expected that Cr Blades, who was the first female mayor of Greater Dandenong Council in 1998, and Councillor Yvonne Herring will put their hands up for the job tonight.
But Cr Herring said it was highly unlikely that she would be chosen.
“I have been a councillor since 1997, except for a two-year period in between,” she said. “I think it’s about time I was given a chance.”
“I highly doubt I’ll get it, with the council being a Labor-dominated council.
“I’m still going to put my hand up, but the majority of councillors won’t vote as they are frightened by their party.
“I think its discrimination really … because I’m not Labor, I won’t get their votes.”
Councillor Peter Brown said he would support Cr Blades in the election.
“The straw poll on Monday night showed the majority of councillors in support of Cr Blades, and I’m in support of the majority view,” he said.
“I also respect my fellow ward councillor who has waited 12 years to become mayor.”
Cr Blades said she believed she had a good chance of becoming mayor, but would not claim the title yet.
“I think I’ve got something to bring to the role, and I would be very committed,” she said.
“I was the first woman mayor of Greater Dandenong in 1998, and since then there has been a lot of water under the bridge and I now have a lot more experience.”
Incumbent mayor Jim Memeti said he had decided not to run again.
“I’ve got a busy year ahead of myself, and it’s not right to stand if you cannot commit 100 per cent to the job,” he said. “It’s not fair on myself, or the council, or the community if I do.
“But I’ve had a tremendous year and have achieved so many things over the past 12 months.”
Councillors Maria Sampey, John Kelly, Youhorn Chea, Angela Long and Cr Brown said they would not be putting their hands up for the job.
Councillors Paul Donovan, Loi Truong and Pinar Yesil did not return calls to the Star in time, but it is expected they will not be running for the position.