At the local government elections on 14 September 2024, voters in the Kiama LGA will face a referendum question: YES or NO – as to whether they want a popularly elected mayor in the future. 

Historically Kiama has nine elected councillors who vote for the mayor (and deputy) among themselves. This role is held for two years and then re-voted. Should the method of electing the mayor be changed?

Interestingly when The Bugle held the public debate on 31 July on this subject, the Against side were mostly former Mayors, who argued strongly against changing things. In a nutshell, the way they see it was succinctly stated by Brian Petschler, "The mayor needs the support of a majority of councillors, and everyone’s focus needs to be on local issues."

They also cited incidents in other councils where administrative intervention was needed when the elected mayor was inadequate or there was a dysfunctional council due to their lack of support from councillors. 

Councillor candidate Mike Cains is in favour of change, saying, “Not far from us – in recent times Wollondilly Council had 21 changes of Mayor in 27 years. To immunise ourselves against such nonsense a directly elected Mayor is essential.”

He also maintains that “A four-year term gives the mayor the authority that comes with the ability to set strategy and see it through, the mayor also carries with them the mandate to lead that is given to them by the residents”.

The Bugle has written extensively on this subject in July and August, so please visit the App for the full summary of ideas on both sides of this fence.

Should the mayor be directly elected? Results from The Great Debate