Cr Kevin Bailey’s motion – that the City write to the Local Government Minister requesting candidates of State and Federal elections take leave from the date of issue of the writs until after the election – was carried at Wednesday’s council meeting.
Should Minister Tony Simpson support the move, councillors Rod Henderson and Daniel Parasiliti would have to take leave for 5½ weeks leading up to the March 2017 election.
Gidgegannup and Swan Valley councillor Henderson has been |endorsed as the Liberal candidate for the seat of West Swan.
Mr Henderson, who has previously run against West Swan MLA Rita Saffioti, was the only councillor against the motion.
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READ NOW“I disagree with the decision because I feel I have been elected to represent the people,” he said. “This would mean I would have to take a leave of absence and not be able to have a voice.” The law says councillors can participate in State or Federal elections but if elected they must step down.
Mr Parasiliti is running for the seat of Midland, held by MLA Michelle Roberts.
Ms Roberts defeated him by just 24 votes at the 2013 election.