Perth Voice Interactive

IT’S au revoir to Vincent councillor James Peart as he prepares to resign and move to France.

Wife Rebecca is an interpreter and teaches English, and they’re saying adieu to Australia for a work opportunity.

Cr Peart will be working in remote consultancy, doing urban planning from afar.

Elected early last year to fill the spot left by John Carey becoming mayor, Cr Peart was an ardent campaigner against the plan to split Vincent and was frequently seen riding around town on his bike festooned with anti-split banners.

His term expired in October: as it’s only a few months away there will be no by-election.

Cr Peart’s had a rough time since his election, suffering Ross River virus and the mayor’s constant mispronunciation of his name.

“It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work alongside such passionate and dedicated elected members,” Cr Peart says, and he’s proud of the city for winning the “David and Goliath” battle against forced amalgamations.

He believes the council’s in good hands, saying “the community will not accept a turning back of the dynamic direction that has been set in recent times”.

From the days when he used to sit in the public gallery he reckons the standard of debate has soared (though he won’t miss the hecklers).

Cr Peart told the Voice he will be resigning in the first week of July.

by DAVID BELL