Allegiances will be tested at the next Griffith City Council meeting, when councillors vote for who gets to be deputy mayor.
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It's expected to be at least a three-horse race on Tuesday, with councillors Doug Curran, Anne Napoli, and Glen Andreazza all eyeing the job.
A lot is riding on this election according to Councillor Mike Neville, who says the next deputy mayor will be well-positioned to get the "top-dog job" as mayor once the general election rolls around in 2020.
Cr Neville won't be running for deputy mayor himself, but he said he'd be voting for the current deputy mayor Doug Curran.
"He's probably the best and most suited person for the job," Cr Neville said.
Cr Curran has been deputy mayor for the last year and has confirmed he will once again be putting his hand up for the role.
"It's a great platform to be able to learn from the mayor and to be able to serve the community," Cr Curran said.
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Cr Anne Napoli has also served as deputy mayor in the past and has expressed interest in throwing her hat in the ring.
"I feel I have the experience, the passion, and the time to devote myself to the deputy mayor position," Cr Napoli said.
Cr Glen Andreazza said he was considering putting his hand up for the position.
Cr Rina Mercuri said she wouldn't be running for the spot, but said Cr Curran, Napoli, and Andreazza would all be excellent choices.
"We've got good councillors, and I think anyone who becomes the deputy mayor will do a wonderful job," Cr Mercuri said.
Her sentiment was echoed by both Cr Deb Longhurst and Cr Christine Stead, who said they'd be happy whatever the outcome.
"Everyone deserves it. They're all good. They're all there for the community," Cr Stead said.
Mayor John Dal Broi said he'd ideally like to see all councillors get a turn as deputy mayor.
"I like to give all the councillors an opportunity to represent council," Cr Dal Broi said.
Cr Brian Simpson and Cr Dino Zappacosta kept their cards close to their chest and declined to reveal who they'd be voting for.
Cr Simon Croce is currently overseas and unavailable for comment.
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Kenji Sato
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
