Glenorchy mayor hopefuls line up: Kelly Sims, Bec Thomas and Sue Hickey

One of the candidates is pulling out of the Glenorchy mayoral race, opting to throw their support behind the current acting mayor Bec Thomas (pictured). LATEST ON THE RACE >>

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Alderman Steven King has announced he no longer intends to nominate for the position of Mayor in the upcoming by-election for Glenorchy City Council.

“I’ve watched Alderman Bec Thomas evolve in the role of Acting Mayor over the past 6-8 weeks and I have come to the conclusion that I feel she is the best person to serve the community in this role at this time," Ald King said.

“Bec is a team player who is trustworthy, loyal and dedicated to this community. She has demonstrated her ability to develop and maintain positive relationships and these are the attributes we need in our leader to continue moving forward.”

“Therefore, after discussion with my family and close associates I have decided not to nominate for the role and I am putting my support behind her.

Ald King said he remained "fully committed" to serving the Glenorchy community as an alderman; a position he has held since 2008.

“I’d like to thank all those who offered to support me in this endeavour and encourage them to consider giving their vote to our Acting Mayor, Bec Thomas," he said.

Acting Mayor Thomas said she was humbled by the support.

“Alderman King has made a selfless decision with the best interests of the community at heart and I greatly appreciate his vote of confidence in me," she said.

“We have had a good relationship since day one – we listen to and respect each other’s views and enjoy a bit of friendly banter along the way.

“We both love this place and its people and I look forward to continuing to work with him going forward to make a difference in our community.”

The by-election for Mayor and Alderman will occur via postal vote from 22 June – 20 July 2021. For more information visit www.tec.tas.gov.au 

Glenorchy mayor hopefuls line up

May 31, 2021:

GLENORCHY’S deputy mayor has formally declared she is throwing her hat in the ring for the top job — and has garnered the endorsement of her predecessor.

Bec Thomas joins a field of three declared candidates — including her former boss Sue Hickey.

Aldermen Kelly Sims and Steven King have also put their hands up.

“I have lived in Glenorchy for all 37 years of my life and I’m passionate about making our community the best it can be,” Ald Thomas said.

“I went to school here, worked my first jobs in a supermarket and pub in the city of Glenorchy and settled here with my husband Ross.”

She said she had not yet declared her candidacy because she had been busy with council work.

“First and foremost I am focused on getting on with the job as acting mayor and ensuring stability and continuity for the people of Glenorchy. I’m very proud to serve my community and I am committed to doing a good job.”

Acting Glenorchy mayor Bec Thomas has now formally entered the mayoral race. Picture: Chris Kidd

She said she was standing on a platform of improving amenities, improving public spaces, busting traffic congestion and better communication with ratepayers.

She said there was no ill-feeling between her and Ms Hickey, despite them running against each other.

Ald Thomas was an adviser for Ms Hickey from August 2019 until the election this month.

“There’s no bad blood between us,” she said.

Former Glenorchy mayor and now independent MP for Clark Kristie Johnston said Ald Thomas would make a good mayor.

“Council needs a new generation of fresh leaders ready to grasp the opportunities that the future holds for Glenorchy and Acting Mayor Thomas is the right person to do just that,” Ms Johnston said.

“Acting Mayor Thomas has good relationships in the community, is well respected within council and across all levels of government and will do a fine job.

“She is loyal, trustworthy and responsive and well equipped to lead the Glenorchy community into the future.”

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Four hopefuls in race for Glenorchy’s top job

TWO current Glenorchy aldermen have announced their intention to throw their hat in the ring for the mayoral role, including Kristie Johnston’s only challenger at the last election.

Alderman Kelly Sims has officially announced her candidacy for the position having served as an elected member since 2018.

The small business owner with a background in early childhood education, business management and mental health, Ald Sims said Glenorchy City Council needed to be more transparent with its community.

Glenorchy Alderman Kelly Sims.

“The northern suburbs are a richly diversified community on the doorstop of our capital city,” she said.

“We have so much potential to offer and opportunity ahead, if facilitated well by an integral leader.

“From world class building developments and large scale investment, all the way to reaping wider community benefit from the newly implemented action plans, strategies and policies. “How ever lucky we are in the northern suburbs, we cannot pretend that we as a socially vulnerable community do not still face significant challenges. Quality leadership and advocacy are absolutely crucial if we are to maximise outcomes from current opportunities.”

Ald Sims said she had no plans to later move into state or federal politics and would look to work with the state government on issues such as improving transport to the northern suburbs, the housing crisis and mental health.

Meanwhile, Alderman Steven King has also announced he will run for Glenorchy mayor.

He was the only person to challenge outgoing mayor Kristie Johnston at the last election in January 2018.

The position of Glenorchy mayor is up for grabs after Kristie Johnston was elected to state parliament.

He polled just over 13 per cent of the first preference votes to Ms Johnston’s 86 per cent.

Ald King has been on the council for the past 13 years and said his experience working with all levels of government, the local community and its many organisations would help him in the role of mayor.

“I am a sixth generation Tasmanian – I attended Claremont Primary and Claremont High schools,” he said.

“I have been both a Scout and Scout Leader in this community. I have served as president of the Moonah Primary P & F and school council.

“I have strong negotiating and communication skills and am an experienced leader in numerous business and community fields.”

Ald Steven King – candidate for mayor in the upcoming Glenorchy by-election. Picture: SUPPLIED

Three mayoral by-elections are required following the election of Ms Johnston and former Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter to parliament, and the resignation of West Coast Mayor Phil Vickers.

Nominations close on June 16 and the polls will close on July 20.

Former speaker Sue Hickey and current acting mayor Bec Thomas have also declared their intention to run for the Glenorchy gig.