Incumbent mayors of Tasmania’s northern cities let their records do the talking

THE incumbent mayors of Tasmania’s northern cities are all trying to remain mellow about the potential outcome of the local council elections, as vote counting gets underway today.

Mayor of Launceston Albert van Zetten outside the Launceston Town Hall. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE.

THE incumbent mayors of Tasmania’s northern cities are all trying to remain mellow about the potential outcome of the local council elections, as vote counting gets underway today.

Launceston Mayor Albert Van Zetten, who has been mayor since 2007, ran a low key campaign and was happy to let his record speak for itself.

“I believe strongly in doing the work while you’re mayor and I feel I have done that to the best of my ability,” he said.

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Seven other candidates are vying for the mayor’s job: Basil Fitch, Alan Harris, Bob Salt, Joshua Sherrin, Tegan Sweeney, Tim Walker and Janie Finlay, who served as Launceston Mayor from 2002-2005.

Burnie Mayor Alvwyn Boyd also said he would simply wait for the result and hope for the best, saying he thought Burnie City Council was in good shape and so was Burnie itself.

Challenging Boyd for the mayor’s job in Burnie are Trent Aitken, Ken Dorsey, Amina Keygan and Steven Kons.

Devonport’s Acting Mayor Annette Rockliff said she planned to read a book most of the day to avoid fixating too much on the tally results as they come in.

Acting Devonport Mayor Annette Rockliff. PICTURE CHRIS KIDD

Having stepped into the role earlier this year after former mayor Steve Martin was elected to the Senate, she hopes to be elected formally so she can continue the job she has started.

Peter Hollister and Leon Perry are also running for mayor in Burnie.