Opinion: Tom Tate may cruise to the finish line in the mayoral race only to be confronted with a political storm

Mayor Tom Tate is embarking on his third poll. He should be sailing as smoothly as a cruise liner in the safe waters of Moreton Bay. But ahead is a political storm.

MAYOR Tom Tate is embarking on his third poll. He should be sailing as smoothly as a cruise liner in the safe waters of Moreton Bay. But ahead is a political storm.

On Tuesday at the ceremonial end to the last full council meeting, he farewelled retiring colleagues Gary Baildon and Paul Taylor, both good friends, and Dawn Crichlow, a rival.

Final Gold Coast City Council meeting before the 2020 election. Retiring Councillor Dawn Crichlow and Mayor Tom Tate. Picture: Jerad Williams.

Councillor Tate told them his door was always open, but the fiery flame-haired Southport councillor will not be returning in retirement. He could afford a deep breath.

Nominations had just closed for the mayoralty. The Mayor was told he had seven opponents, and shrugged off suggestions none of them, apart from Mona Hecke, had built a profile.

“I think democracy is fantastic that people put up their hand whether it’s a division or the mayoralty. Whatever the motivation is, they will have some issue that is dear to their heart,” Cr Tate told your columnist.

Mayoral Candidates at the Paradise Point Community Centre in 2012. Tom Tate gives Eddy Sarroff a blast.

In 2016, only lawyer Jim Wilson (9 per cent of the vote) and medical scientist Penny Toland (24 per cent) built up a profile. The Mayor won with more than 60 per cent of the vote.

Businessman Brett Lambert, who polled about 3 per cent, is running again.

So unless something changes dramatically with funding or profiling, Mr Lambert and the six lesser known candidates this time could account, all up, for 20 per cent of the vote.

If Cr Tate’s vote stays as steady as the rate increases, where does that place Ms Hecke who is relying on Facebook and meet and greets with residents?

Gold Coast 2020 City Election Ballot Draw. Mayoral candidate Mona Hecke. Picture: Jerad Williams

GOLD COAST BULLETIN ELECTION FORUMS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

In 2016 Ms Toland, in a strong campaign, put up corflutes and signage, and had union resources.

This year council insiders agree with the suggestion Ms Hecke will not poll more than 25 per cent.

So Cr Tate could be excused for resting up. Perhaps a pleasure cruise?

But look towards Division 10, a super division covering the city’s tourism heart, where there are seven candidates – among them veteran radio announcer Adrian (AJ) Johnston, Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO Mike Winlaw and Darren Taylor, son of retiring councillor Paul Taylor, who has strong community links.

Check the second last name on the ballot draw – Eddy Sarroff.

Mr Sarroff is the former outspoken long-serving councillor who ran and lost against Cr Tate in 2012.

Mr Sarroff only polled about 18 per cent, but that was because any opposition to the Tate campaign was split between fellow councillors Peter Young and Susie Douglas who also ran for the top job.

The 2012 mayoral debate held at the Kings Christian Centre, Reedy Creek. (L-R) Susie Douglas, Eddy Sarroff, Tom Tate, Peter Young.

This time around he returns to a division, which includes his former stronghold of Broadbeach, on an anti-Tate, anti-cruise ship, anti-casino, anti-over development agenda.

Asked about him, Cr Tate was nonchalant. Like a Hope Island mosquito had brushed his face.

“No, it’s not really rival in the way, it’s a differing of opinion. You know, you are allowed to have that. I would say people in Division 10 would look at all the candidates and I will back their wisdom in voting for the right candidate,” he said.

Mr Sarroff once tossed an agenda at Cr Baildon when he was mayor.

Cr Baildon was privately recalling that moment after his ceremony this week.

If the voters in Division 10, in their wisdom, see Mr Sarroff as the right candidate, Cr Tate may need to learn to duck – or the council, with its heavy agendas, very quickly move to a paperless operation.