Ex-mayor may switch councils
ERNIE BENNETT may run for the mayor of Richmond Valley in September's local government elections.
Cr Bennett has been on Kyogle Council for 17 years, holding the position as mayor on and off for many of those years, but in September he decided he would not run for the top job again.
"I have been there long enough," he said.
"It is time to step aside."
Cr Bennett told The Northern Star he was already missing his mayoral duties.
"I do miss it; I really enjoy that sort of thing," he said.
"The mayor job is not about being the smartest cookie in the jar. It's about being committed to serve the community."
He said he had been asked by numerous people to consider running as the mayor of the Richmond Valley but was still considering his options.
While Cr Bennett's Theresa Creek home was within Kyogle local government area, it was situated closer to the township of Casino than Kyogle.
"Casino has been my town forever. I am passionate about Casino," he said.
"I have done my business in Casino all my life."
"We have always holidayed at Evans Head."
In order for Cr Bennett to be eligible to run, he must first own a residence within the local government area.
He confirmed he was on the lookout within the Richmond Valley for "the right piece of real estate".
He said he would need to have his name on the title deed in time to enrol for the election.
Local government elections will be held across NSW on September 8. In the Richmond Valley the mayor is elected directly at the election by thevoters rather than by councillors after the election.
