Councillor Stevan Kozmevski was sworn in as Whittlesea’s new mayor at a special meeting of councillors last night.
The south west ward councillor will serve out his second mayoral term until October next year, when local council elections are held.
In his acceptance speech the councillor of 18 years said he would strive to upgrade infrastructure and roads.
He singled out a number of projects he considered high up on his list of priorities, including the extension of Edgars Road from Cooper Street to the Aurora Estate and a new interchange connecting O’Herns Road and the Hume Freeway.
The payroll administrator for Metro Trains spoke about the need for the state and federal governments to deliver transport and vital infrastructure in new communities before they were allowed to grow.
“Our communities in the growth corridor, what transport choices do they have? Have they got the public transport that is needed? Governments have failed to provide the choices that are required. Infrastructure must be provided first.”
Deputy remains
Despite recent unfavourable media attention Councillor Norm Kelly will serve as Cr Kozmevski’s deputy. He was also deputy mayor for the 2014-15 year under Cr Ricky Kirkham.
Three months ago Cr Kelly defied volunteers and drove his car through spectators to watch a Northern Football League game at Epping Recreation Reserve. Cars had been banned from the ground for the final series.
The Plumbing Trades Employees Union organiser has also been embroiled in a branch stacking scam dating back to 2013. Cr Kelly has however denied any knowledge of the allegedly illegal scheme.
Cr Kozmevski was nominated by outgoing mayor Cr Kirkham and was backed by the council’s strongest faction in councillors Mary Lalios, Norm Kelly, Ken Harris and Darryl Sinclair. Councillors Rex Griffen and Christine Stowe, who are largely independent, also voted for Mr Kozmevski.
Councillors Kris Pavlidis and Sam Alessi nominated Cr Adrien Spinelli for the top job and later for the role of deputy. They were outvoted on both occasions.
