Mayor of the Scenic Rim John Brent last year taunted Derek Swanborough: "I’m hoping that he runs for Mayor. I am encouraging him to run for Mayor. I want him to run for Mayor."
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The campaign photograph of Cr Derek Swanborough who announced today he was running for the position of Mayor of the Scenic Rim Council at the next election in 9 months time |
Today John Brent was granted his wish as Derek Swanborough declared his candidacy for Mayor of the Scenic Rim at next year's Council ballot.
Invitations to Cr Swanborough's campaign launch on June 17th were sent out to by Swanborough's campaign organization which is called "Derek For Mayor".
It is understood that some 200 invitations were sent to key supporters over the Scenic Rim shire.
The launch is to be held at the Cedar Creek Winery on Tamborine Mountain and has attracted a line-up of well connected political luminaries.
These include John Penglis who has deep connections into the Labor and Liberal Parties; Ipswich Mayor, Cr Paul Pisasale; and the former Federal MP in the Electorate of Forde, Brett Reguse who will be the Master of Ceremonies.
Mayor Pisasale will be the Guest Speaker for the campaign launch.
In his invitation, Cr Swanborough launched the basic theme of his campaign when he wrote: "Come and hear how we can work together to bring about "A Council for the People" and "Change for the Better".
When asked if his close identification with the Tamborine Mountain area would inhibit the success of his campaign, Cr Swanborough replied: "I have worked hard for all of the people of the Scenic Rim. I have worked tirelessly to keep the rates low and highlighted council performance which is something that everyone is concerned about," said Swanborough.
"I want to create a circumstance where council can provide proper services, live within its means and reflect properly the needs and aspirations of the community."
John Brent is believed to be running for Mayor again if he does not achieve a last minute reprieve from the LNP pre-selection campaign and Cr David Cockburn has also indicated an interest in the position.
There is still plenty of time for others to declare their interest in the post as the election is not until March of 2012.
The positions of all current councillors will also be contested. There has been a consistent 6-1 vote against motions put by Cr Swanborough with this current council.
"I have given nine months notice to everyone in the hope I can encourage high quality candidates to join me in solving the many problems faced by the ratepayers of the Scenic Rim," said Cr Swanborough.
"I am not interested in my team running for council, I am interested in a team working for the Scenic Rim. We need to get the highest quality candidates with special abilities, with the right kind of philosophies who are prepared to stand up and be counted and be a strong voice for local residents."
The Daily Star has contacted Mayor Brent, Deputy Mayor David Cockburn, the Council CEO, the Scenic Rim Rate Payers Association and other sitting councillors for their comments on this early announcement by Cr Derek Swanborough. We will publish their comments when they reply.
We will bring you more from our extended telephone interview with Cr Derek Swanborough shortly.