Controversial Onkaparinga Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg to quit local government next term
EMBATTLED Onkaparinga Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg has pulled out of the mayoral contest at the upcoming council elections, ending her 12-year tenure.
ONKAPARINGA Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg has announced she will not contest the November local government elections.
In a prepared statement released earlier today, Ms Rosenberg said it was the “right time” to end her 12-year tenure at the helm of SA’s largest metropolitan council.
“I feel that now is the right time for me to provide someone else with the opportunity to enjoy the honour of being mayor of the best region in South Australia,” Ms Rosenberg said.
“I’m planning to spend more time with my family and looking after my farm, but I’ll remain a fierce advocate for Onkaparinga and its communities.”
The embattled mayor, who has previously said she “ruled with an iron fist”, has been embroiled in controversy for the past 18 months, starting with the council’s payment of a $6818 golf membership for its chief executive, Mark Dowd, in 2017.
In February 2018, Freedom of Information documents revealed spending by council staff, which included thousands of dollars on Apple products, flowers, overnight accommodation in city hotels after functions and an Adelaide Oval rooftop climb.
In the wake of the controversy, Ms Rosenberg’s own councillors passed a motion of no confidence in her leadership abilities in June.
Soon after, she resigned from her role as president of the Local Government Association amid claims her controversial council had tainted the reputation of local government.
Ms Rosenberg said in her statement she was proud of her achievements.
“I’ve worked as hard as I can every day for our region and its communities,” Ms Rosenberg said.
“My proudest moments have been representing Onkaparinga and its people and representing the local government sector as president.
“It’s been both an honour and a privilege to work with our fantastic local residents, community groups and council staff.
“They all believe in our region as much as I do.”
Candidates in the mayoral race include former councillor Brian Nankivell and current elected member Robyn Holtham and deputy mayor Gary Hennessy.