New Lismore mayor on the cards as election time approaches

AFTER eight years in the top job, Jenny Dowell is stepping down at the September local government elections, ready to rest, travel and volunteer.

Jenny Dowell is stepping down from her position as Lismore Mayor.

THERE are still months to go before the local government elections, but there's no doubt that Lismore will have a new mayor come September.

Jenny Dowell has been Lismore's mayor for almost eight years, and a councillor for 12 years, but she has decided not to recontest this year's election.

With council now in planning mode for the election, Cr Dowell said her decision finally seemed real.

"It has been a very rewarding period in my life but there comes a time for people to step aside and let new councillors and a new mayor take the city forward," she said.

"It is a serious task being a councillor but one that can bring great joy.

"However, it is not for everyone.

"The demands on your time can be exhaustive and there is a lot of reading.

"The importance of being prepared and knowing what awaits you cannot be over emphasised."

Lismore City Council yesterday inspected premises in the CBD on behalf of the NSW Electoral Commission to house pre-poll voting for the September 10 local government election.

The premises at 146 Molesworth St, Lismore, will house the local returning officer to be appointed by the Commission as well as provide pre-poll voting facilities for those who need to cast their ballot early.

So, after September, what will our mayor do with all her spare time once she retires?

"For a while, nothing!" she laughed.

"I have declined several board positions as I just feel I am not quite ready to go from one set of minutes to another just yet.

"I will definitely do some volunteer work and Ron (her husband) and I will travel, but I won't be doing anything political.

"I don't think it's fair for the new mayor or the new council to have the ghost of the old mayor around. Ex-mayors should be rarely seen and never heard."