Paul Antonio's announcement means election will be 'boring'

"One can therefore only hope that some worthwhile, well-credentialed candidates nominate for a position."

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio gets ready to speak to media after handing down the 2019-20 budget, Monday, June 24, 2019. Picture: Kevin Farmer

WELL, Mayor Antonio has "ended speculation" declaring his intention to seek another term as mayor.

Personally, I don't think there was ever any speculation.

Already the comments, congratulations and criticisms have started rolling in.

Now one comment that caught my attention was … "give Geoff McDonald a go etc".

Well, elections are not about "giving anyone a go".

Firstly, a person has to nominate and should then be elected by the people based on their perceived abilities to do the job.

Geoff McDonald, along with anyone else, can nominate (for mayor) should they wish to do so, just as Mayor Antonio did.

(...of course, it is most unlikely that will happen, for more reasons than one!)

Which brings me to the point of this letter …

How unexciting is a one-horse race?

I mean, just imagine the Cox Plate or the Melbourne Cup with only one runner.

Furthermore, (and with due respect to Mayor Antonio), having just one "runner" contesting a position does not necessarily mean that they are the best person for the job … (just saying).

Of course, there may be more mayoral nominations forthcoming, but I doubt it.

One can therefore only hope that some worthwhile, well-credentialed candidates nominate for a position as councillor otherwise it's just going to be "more of the same" - jobs for the boys..(and girls) and the forthcoming TRC elections will be very boring … very boring indeed.

RUSSELL WILSON, Toowoomba

Originally published as Paul Antonio's announcement means election will be 'boring'