Holdom says no to a referendum
SUPPORT for a popularly elected mayor is waning with one Tweed councillor as the deadline looms to announce a September referendum.
The councillors need to advise the NSW Electoral Commission by the end of April if they want a referendum on the issue of having a popularly elected mayor and the number of councillors.
Tweed councillors for years have discussed changing the structure.
At Tuesday's council meeting councillors again debated the merits of a popularly elected mayor, with Dot Holdom deciding not to support a referendum after "more research into the issue".
Cr Holdom said she initially supported the idea of a popularly elected mayor, but conceded it caused too many problems.
"The group as a council has different points of view and if you get one mayor who is only pushing their own ideals it causes problems," Cr Holdom said.
"I also claim the right, if I don't think the mayor is acting in the best interests, to vote to have them removed."
Cr Holdom said the money outlaid for a referendum could be better spent elsewhere.
She said the NSW Electoral Commission had advised the final costs associated with a referendum would not be known until April or May.
