Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman disappointed by negative election campaign

LONGSTANDING Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman is favourite to retain his seat but says he is disappointed with how the October election campaign has been fought.

Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

LONGSTANDING Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman is favourite to retain his seat but says he is disappointed with how the October election campaign has been fought.

Ald Chipman said he was disappointed the campaign has been quite negative at times.

“I know a number of candidates have felt that,” he said, not elaborating further.

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Ald Chipman’s biggest challenge will likely come from Alderman Richard James or Greens Beth Warren.

“I’ve campaigned as hard as I could and remain hopeful of being elected as Mayor and alderman,” Ald Chipman said.

“There’s so much in Clarence that needs to be addressed and I’d love to be a part of that.”

As of yesterday, only 50 per cent of Clarence voters had returned their ballot papers.

Ald James, who has campaigned on making the council more transparent when it comes to dealing with developments on public and council land, remained hopeful.

“I feel confident but not overall confident because Doug has been there awhile,” he said.

“But there is a mood change and this might be my day.”