Ku-ring-gai Council: Jeff Pettett elected mayor in challenge from Cedric Spencer

A changing of the guard has once again unfolded at Ku-ring-gai with the council welcoming its third mayor in four months.

A changing of the guard has once again unfolded at Ku-ring-gai with the council welcoming its third mayor in four months.

Jeff Pettett has settled into Ku-ring-gai’s mayoral chair after defeating incumbent Cedric Spencer in a 7-3 vote at a meeting on Tuesday night.

The mayoral position was determined by the majority vote of 10 councillors who were elected at the December 4 local government election.

Jeff Pettett has been elected mayor.

Cedric Spencer.

Cr Pettett secured support from Greg Taylor, Barbara Ward, Simon Lennon, Alec Taylor, Martin Smith and Kim Wheatley.

Cedric Spencer’s nomination meanwhile attracted support from Sam Ngai and Christine Kay.

It was a similar story in the deputy mayor race with Barbara Ward elected 7-3 against a challenge by Christine Kay.

The meeting was held on Tuesday night.

In brief comments after his victory, Mr Pettett acknowledged the nominations from Cr Spencer and Kay.

“I would also like to acknowledge (Mr Spencer) for his duties and services as mayor,” he said.

Cr Pettett has served on the council for the last nine years and previously had a stint as the council’s deputy mayor

The long term resident and accountant ran on an election platform that included addressing excessive traffic and parking problems

He also campaigned against excess building heights that proposed in areas including Lindfield.

Cr Pettett becomes the council’s third mayor over the last four month period after long-term mayor Jennifer Anderson was replaced by Cr Spencer at a meeting in September.