Stirling mayor David Boothman has been re-elected to council unopposed after no-one else nominated for Balga ward.

“I don’t think this necessarily represents any voter apathy, but more that people know it is hard to depose an incumbent, especially the mayor,” he says, gleefully.

“Without sounding big-headed, it may also mean that ratepayers think I’m dong a good job.

“In some of the other wards, where incumbents are standing down, there are numerous candidates.”

Cr Boothman says he’s “keen to stand again” for mayor—in Stirling the mayor is elected by the council, not the public—but he’ll “wait and see who gets elected and what support I have after that”.

Cr Boothman has been mayor since 2007.

Veteran councillor Terry Tyzack—a former mayor—was also elected unopposed, to Inglewood ward.

“Me and David [Boothman] have saved the council $60,000,” the 74-year-old quipped. “That’s how much it costs to run a postal ballot for each ward.

“I’ve still got loads of energy and look forward to serving the people of Inglewood for another term.”

by STEPHEN POLLOCK