John Dal Broi (left) and Mike Neville
DESPITE exchanging barbs during the election campaign, two of Griffith's most popular leaders have claimed they can put their differences aside to work together for the next four years.
Mike Neville will hand the mayoral chains over to John Dal Broi, but is likely to be the first councillor elected when the poll is finalised tomorrow.
But with tensions between the two exposed during the election campaign, their ability to work together had come under question.
Just a week before the poll, Cr Dal Broi declared Mr Neville would tarnish council's name if re-elected mayor, while Mr Neville claimed his successor's time had passed.
This week, both told The Area News they would be able to co-operate for the benefit of the community.
"Over the years, I have learned to work with people that are not always on the same wavelength," Cr Dal Broi said.
"Michael obviously has a lot of experience and if he puts that to good use I am confident we will have a good council."
Mr Neville phoned Cr Dal Broi to offer his congratulations as soon as the final vote was counted.
Pointing out he had only been beaten by 4 per cent in the primary vote, Mr Neville denied there had ever been any tension between himself and the new mayor.
"I wish him (Mr Dal Broi) well he knows how big a job it is and he has obviously been planning for it for some time," Mr Neville said.
"I just hope he doesn't try to change things too quickly. He has openly stated he will look at reducing staff and I believe they're struggling as it is.
"The important thing for me is that I will be elected as a councillor. I have been elected to serve the community and that's what I will do."
Mr Neville said being in a less demanding position would give him more freedom to divide his time among pursuits that meant the most to him.
"There are causes I'd like to get behind by moving notices, which I wasn't always able to do as mayor, and I will be able to look at the council committees and make some decision on which ones I'd like to put my efforts into," he said.
The final result of the councillor vote is likely to be determined this afternoon.
Mr Neville and second-term candidate Bill Lancaster were the only contenders assured a position before the preference count.