WHITTLESEA council is losing its longest-serving councillor in a shock lead-up to elections.
Frank Merlino, who has served 22 years and been mayor four times, is not among the 48 candidates vying for 11 vacancies.
A new lobby group has emerged with Bicycle Network Victoria rating pro-bike candidates on its website.
There is a marked increase in the number of female candidates for Whittlesea – 22 women and 26 men have put their hands up.
In the most sought-after south east ward, which has 22 candidates standing for four vacancies, there is an equal split between male and female contenders. In south west ward, seven women and eight men are vying for four vacancies, while in north ward there are seven men and four women battling for three spots.
Of the nine councillors, eight are standing in the newly drawn up wards that have two extra councillor positions.
One of the youngest contenders is 19-year-old Mill Park university student Alahna Desiato, who is lobbying to extend tram route 86 to South Morang. “The lack of public transport in the south east ward is a huge issue and has influenced my decision to run for council,” she said. “I will represent a youthful and energetic approach for council decision-making.”
Running for north ward is Ricky Kirkham, 23, an army logistics adviser who was deployed to support efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2009. “This was an amazing experience and has fuelled my desire to continue to serve the public,” he said.
