Blayney councillors Shane Oates and Kevin Radburn have both indicated that they will not be running for local office in the NSW Local Government Elections to be held on Saturday, September 9.
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Cr Oates said that he intended to return though in the future but was taking three years off.
“I’m studying spatial science technology at university and it’s a six year, part time course,” he said, “I work at Land and Property, or Spatial Services in Bathurst, so I need to undertake this course as part of my professional development.
“I took that on just after I started council so now I’m about halfway through and it’s becoming more involved so I need to give up something.
You need to have an open mind to all issues and accept and consider all the differing views.
- Cr Shane Oates
“I’ll run for council again at the next election, if we’re still here.”
Cr Oates aside regarding the possibility of councils merging is reflective of what he believes is his pragmatic approach to the political process.
“Anything could happen over the next three years and once more we could have council mergers back on the agenda,’ he said.
For those considering joining council, Cr Oates offers three pieces of advice.
“You need to have an open mind to all issues and accept and consider all the differing views,” he said.
“And you really need to set aside a lot of time for committee meetings and activities over the weekend.
“Finally, don’t take a disagreement personally. You may disagree with a councillor on one issue, but agree wholeheartedly on another.”
Nominations for councillor and mayor open Monday, 31 July.
Candidates will then have until noon on Wednesday, 9 August to nominate.
Cr Radburn will be speaking to the Blayney Chronicle in next week’s edition.