THE two councillors who have declared their hand to challenge Rod Kendall for the mayoral chains have reassured the public both are fit for the role, amid questions over their work commitments and ill health.
Former deputy mayor Andrew Negline, 50, has vowed to cease his current work commitments in Western Australia if he were elected to mayor on September 28, in the wake of announcing he will contest the seat Cr Kendall has held for three years.
“If elected, my primary focus would be my work for the city of Wagga and all my consulting contracting work would have to cease,” Cr Negline assured.
“It becomes a full-time role.”
Cr Negline currently splits his time between Wagga and Western Australia, where he is contracted by the government to develop the beef industry in the northern pocket of the state.
Cr Negline said it was a misconception the mayor must be present at all meetings to ensure they were contributing to the functioning of the city.
“To say there’s no finger on the pulse is so wrong,” he said.
Cr Negline is proposing more effective representation across the board by councillors if elected.
“Under my mayorship, each councillor would be given a portfolio to lead,” he said.
Former mayor Kerry Pascoe announced on Monday he would challenge the seat that Cr Kendall bumped him from in 2012.
The 67-year-old has quashed concerns his well-documented health issues of recent years could impact on his ability to carry out the demanding role, assuring the community his pneumonia and skin spots are no longer an issue.
“I haven’t had anything wrong with me for years,” Cr Pascoe said.
“I’m fit and healthy.
“I don’t have any health issues.”
Cr Pascoe has assured he has the flexibility needed to carry out mayoral duties through running his own building business.
“I can make my own decisions and do what I want work-wise,” he said.
“I don’t see a problem with that (my age).
“If you keep your mind and body active, you feel good.”
