A Letter to Mitcham COUNCIL residents

Dear Resident

My intention to nominate for State Government has been an incredibly difficult decision to make because I thoroughly enjoy my role as Mayor at Mitcham, however there are issues that are important to the community and to me which are not achievable though council, so I have decided to run as an Independent Candidate in Waite.

As a potential candidate, I am not required to resign from my mayoral position, and it is my intention to continue in my role until the close of nominations in the State Election. During this time I will not use my position as Mayor in a manner that is advantageous to my political interests in the State Election, I will continue to comply with the Conflict of Interest provisions in Council meetings and I will not use Council resources for personal benefit.

Currently the state government election is planned for 19 March 2022. Assuming that this date is not altered by an impending Federal election, I will be required to stand down from my position from 28 February 2022 until the date of the election. During this period I will not be paid my Mayoral allowance and am prohibited from undertaking any of my duties as Mayor. Therefore, though I will attend, I will not be able to chair the first meeting in March, and nor contribute to the March briefing sessions.

Should I be elected to state parliament, a by-election will not be triggered because council will be in its final year. The chamber will decide who will take on the mayoral duties for the remainder of the term. Should I not be elected, it is my intention to continue as Mayor and re-stand for Mayor at the 2022 local government election.

My intention is to continue to serve the community to the best of my ability. Please let me know if I can be of assistance in any capacity.

Kind Regards

Heather