Perth Voice Interactive

FORMER Vincent mayor Nick Catania says he’d gladly take up the role of commissioner during mergers—if offered the job.

If a merger goes ahead in July 2015, the city’s elected members could be sacked and replaced by an appointed commissioner.

Rumours are floating around town that Mr Catania—a former state Labor MP whose son is a state Nationals MLC—is being lined up for the role, but he says he hasn’t been approached about it.

“It’s news to me,” he told the Voice. “It’d be good news! I’d be delighted to do so.

“When there has been commissioners appointed, it’s someone who has a good bit of experience in local government, state government, with the local government act, and those sorts of things.

“If it came up and someone asked me, because of my great interest in local government and particularly in this area of local government, I think it would be appropriate to say yes because of my interest and experience.”

Under WA local government minister Tony Simpson’s preferred option for a “boundary adjustment” (Perth’s borders extending to engulf Vincent), there could be no need for commissioners as Perth’s councillors would rule over their northern neighbours for four months until the next election.

by DAVID BELL