On 14 September 2024, during the local government elections, voters in Kiama will face a significant decision by a referendum: should the people vote for a mayor or the councillors?

Cr. Stuart Larkins informs, “Currently 35 out of 128 councils allow for a directly elected mayor model, with more councils moving towards this option. There are councils even smaller than Kiama, in both population and size, who are allowed to choose their mayor.” 

Kiama has nine elected councillors who vote for the mayor themselves. Former Mayor and Kiama Council Executive Brian Petschler says this method is the best. “Directly elected mayors for very large councils may work, but I don’t see it as necessary for Kiama,” he said.

The nine councillors represent the community's diverse interests and he said directly electing a mayor might disrupt cohesion among the councillors.

“The mayor needs the support of a majority of councillors, and everyone’s focus needs to be on local issues," Mr Petschler said. 

Former Kiama Mayor Neville Fredericks is opposed to directly electing the mayor. “Councillors should function like a board of directors that appoints a chair. This approach allows for the replacement of the leader if they fail to perform adequately.”

Former Kiama Mayor Sandra McCarthy agrees. “I can see how a popularly elected mayor may work in larger cities where there is a ward system, but the current system of councillors choosing a mayor has been working well, so why change it?” she said.

She also highlighted the additional cost that would come with a direct mayoral election.

Cr. Matt Brown is also opposed to a directly elected mayor. “I support change if there is a good reason for it. However, we have not experienced any problems with our current system,” Cr Brown said.

“It will cost us more and overly politicise a role which should be as politically neutral as possible, since the mayor is also the chair of council.”

“We don’t vote for our prime minister nor our premier, so why would we go to the extra expense and effort to directly elect our mayor?” Cr Brown said.

Taking a different view is Michael Cains, the President of The Kiama/Jamberoo branch of the Liberal Party, sits on the Kiama Business Chamber board. “A mayor, like the chair of a board, is the first among equals and plays an important role as the conduit between Council and the CEO and the operational and management functions that they are in charge of - but that's where the comparison ends,” Mr Cains said.

“We are lucky in Kiama that we have Mayor Neil Reilly and Mark Honey before him. I have regard for both gentlemen. Both are natural choices for mayor given they have been sensible leaders and moderating influences on Council. Their "heart is in the right place". However, we should be careful about assuming that it's always this way.”

“Just look at how much time and effort has been expended by this Council investigating themselves for misconduct of one sort or another. Some councillors can barely conceal their sneering resentment of their fellow councillors. It is not conducive to harmony.”

Mr Cains said, “to remove the temptation of creating a ‘revolving door, everyone gets a turn of the role of mayor’ circus, the position of mayor should be directly elected by the citizens.”

Councillor Stuart Larkins has told The Bugle, “On both a personal note, I support moving forward towards a directly elected mayoral position and I encourage a Yes vote.” 

“Kiama Council is the only council in the Illawarra-South Coast where local residents do not have the right to choose their mayor. Wollongong, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and now Bega will get to directly elect their mayors,” said Cr Larkins.

The Bugle has taken the initiative and has organised a public meeting to take place on July 31 in the evening, at the Kiama Leagues Club. All are welcome to attend. 

The Bugle will give more information in our next edition and name the ‘For’ and ‘Against’ teams then.