LAST night, Lola Cummins began her 16th term as mayor of Junee Shire Council.
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Councillor Cummins saw off a challenge by deputy mayor Neil Smith after councillors endorsed the veteran mayor to continue as the shire’s leader, six votes to three.
There was a three-way contest for the deputy mayor’s role as councillors Bob Callow, Andrew Clinton and Smith angled for the role.
Cr Callow was eliminated in the first round of voting before Cr Clinton won five votes to three.
In the past few years, Cr Smith has challenged for the role of mayor and said he was disappointed at last night’s outcome.
“We’re still a pretty cohesive group and I look forward to doing my best for the shire,” he said.
The elections weren’t all smooth sailing with Cr Martin Holmes pushing for mayoral candidates to address the councillors on why they wanted to be mayor.
A deadlocked vote meant Cr Cummins used her casting vote to reject the motion.
In Cootamundra, previous deputy mayor, Cr Jim Slattery, will fill the mayoral role for the next 12 months, with Cr Dennis Palmer elected as his deputy.
