FORMER City of Stirling Mayor Adam Spagnolo has returned to local government after 12 years.
The incoming councillor won the hotly contested Osborne ward with 31 per cent of the votes, ahead of Main Street Co-op member Frank Paolino on 24 per cent and former Balcatta MLA Chris Hatton with 22 per cent.
Mr Spagnolo said he was “ecstatic” after winning what he described as a campaign marred by “political interference”.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“I think people like genuine, independent candidates,” he said.
“The main reason why I stood was I was so unhappy with the culture at the City of Stirling.”
Mr Spagnolo served three terms as mayor and spent 20 years on council but was at the centre of a Corruption and Crime Commission investigation in 2004.
The commission charged Mr Spagnolo with four electoral summary offences, which were later dropped by the Director of Public Prosecutions because of insufficient evidence.
He said residents had told him they felt the City was “over governed and over regulated” but hoped to change that.
“I’m hoping to bring the friendliness back, I’m hoping to change the culture,” he said.
MORE: End of an era at City of Stirling with Terry Tyzack out after more than 40 years on council
MORE: Resident reunited with missing dog urges others to register pets
MORE: Telethon Kids Institute partners with NEC to help fight childhood autism