COUNCIL could be in for a shake-up in coming weeks with two new contenders throwing their hats into the ring in a bid to oust long-standing deputy mayor Dino Zappacosta.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Councillors Paul Rossetto and Doug Curran will put up their hands for the first time at the in-house deputy mayoral vote which will be held in a fortnight in the hopes of taking over the reins.
Support is waning for current deputy Dino Zappacosta with some feeling he should take the opportunity to step down and recuperate from illness.
But Cr Zappacosta, who has served as deputy mayor for 11 of his 25 years on council, has no intention of stepping aside.
"I am running because I have been asked by several councillors to stand again," Cr Zappacosta said.
"I have worked hard in the past, though I couldn't work as hard as I would have liked due to my illness earlier this year.
"I've worked very closely with the mayor for many years and we do work well together and that leads to a harmonious relationship."
Five-year councillor Doug Curran will stand for the first time in what he hopes will be a move to secure a positive future for council.
Cr Curran believed Cr Zappacosta should take time out from the role due the fact he has been unwell.
He also said Cr Dal Broi had indicated previously he would only stand for one term.
“John Dal Broi and Dino Zappacosta were there through the ’90s and the noughties but who is going to be there in years to come?” Cr Curran said.
“I’ve done my apprenticeship now and I’m ready to step up to the challenge.
“We need continuity and stability.”
Despite sitting on council for just one year, Paul Rossetto will also put his hand up for the position.
“I’m waiting to get support from the mayor but people tell me I’ve taken to this like a duck to water,” Cr Rossetto said.
“I understand the processes now and I understand where to put pressure and I’m in an interesting position in that I feel I can pull the councillors together.”
Cr Anne Napoli is still weighing up whether she will stand again after an unsuccessful attempt last year, but Cr Rossetto was not impressed with the idea.
“I don’t believe Anne should stand again. She had her chance last year, but she was carrying too many hatchets through the committee process,” he said.
“A lot of people feel Dino shouldn’t run, but I think he’ll run on principle.”
Councillors have up until the night of the vote to decide whether they will run or withdraw.
