There were few surprises at Sutherland Shire Council’s election for a new mayor and deputy mayor on Tuesday night.
The Liberal Party-strong council saw a happy Cr Kent Johns take back the top job and Cr Carmelo Pesce become deputy mayor.
Both councillors were elected with 10 votes each.
With 11 of the 15 councillors being from the Liberals it was expected the mayoral team would come from that party.
‘‘That all made me tougher, you have to be tough in politics,’’
- Kent Johns
The former mayor Cr Steve Simpson and former deputy mayor Dr Tom Croucher did not stand.
Pundits had already predicted that the Johns-Pesce duo would take top billing.
"I am very much looking forward to working with Cr Pesce as we have been friends for many years," said Cr Johns.
Cr Pesce said having his own business for many years would stand him in good stead for the deputy mayor role.
He said he had learned a lot during his time on the council, especially from former mayor Steve Simpson and Cr Johns.
First elected to the council in 2004, this will be the second time that Cr Johns will have served as mayor, the first being from 2012-2013.
He did not put his hand up last year.
Cr Johns has previously weathered a number of political storms including allegations about developers and the Liberal Party amid controversy around the draft shire LEP.
He said at the time that his actions were within the law and the Independent Commission Against Corruption declined to investigate.
‘‘That all made me tougher, you have to be tough in politics,’’ he said last night.
He said the draft LEP had already gone to the state government.
Outside the local political arena Cr Johns is the general manager of a manufacturing organisation within the Australian water industry.
Relative newcomer to the Sutherland Shire Council scene, the new deputy mayor Cr Pesce was elected to the council in 2012.
A lifelong shire resident, Cr Pesce is a self employed local business owner.
For more coverage see Thursday’s Leader.
Which shire matters would you like to see the new Sutherland Shire mayor and deputy mayor set as priorities?