Kingborough voters make a big switch to Winter as new mayor
DEAN Winter has romped home in the race for Kingborough Mayor, polling almost half the vote.
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DEAN Winter is the new Kingborough Mayor, easily dominating the four-person race.
Cr Winter had captured 48 per cent of the vote with Greens Councillor Richard Atkinson on 28 per cent and incumbent Mayor Steve Wass on 22 per cent.
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A shocked Cr Winter was still coming to terms with the result late on Tuesday night.
“I was getting really good feedback on the doors and around the community, but I didn’t know if it would flow through to the ballot box,” he said.
“It’s a huge surprise and I can’t get over the result. It’s pretty overwhelming to me at the moment.”
Cr Winter said this was a clear and decisive verdict on the direction of the council.
“People were ready for a change. They want a council that does the basics well and that’s what I want to help deliver over the next four years.
“I want to thank everyone who has shown faith in me. It’s an absolute honour to be able to represent the region I love.”
Cr Winter was full of praise for Cr Wass who has secured enough votes to have a seat on the council.
“Steve is a really nice guy and passionate advocate for Kingborough and he always has been,” he said.
“He’s been a strong contributor to the council and I hope he continues to do that.”
Cr Winter campaigned alongside Blackmans Bay resident Jo Westwood, who is in a strong position to win the deputy mayor position.
Provisional first preference figures show Ms Westwood with 40 per cent of the vote, 10 percentage points ahead of current deputy mayor Paula Wreidt on 30 per cent.
“I’m also really excited to have new talent like Jo Westwood elected to the council,” Cr Winter said.
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