| One of two Queenscliff residents will be propelled into the position of Borough of Queenscliffe Councillor, following the resignation of Cr Graham Christie. In a letter formally tendered to Council last night, Cr Christie cited health reasons for his decision not to continue in the role. “This has been a most difficult decision to reach. I am most grateful to the residents of the Borough for electing me to represent them. I have tried my upmost to represent their interests and needs at all times,” the Vietnam veteran said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the success, challenges and benefits of working with a professional team of Councillors and officers whom I admire very much, both individually and collectively. “This step is one that I must now take, in light of the advice from my treating doctors and given the health issues that are impacting on my life.” The Victorian Electoral Commission will now conduct a count back of votes from the 2012 municipal election to fill the “extraordinary vacancy” in accordance with the Local Government Act. The next highest vote getter – either Point Lonsdale businessman Greg Jones or Queenscliff resident Peter Russell – will be asked to take on the vacant role. The two unsuccessfully contested the election in a three-way ticket with Cr Christie. Mr Jones finished fourth after preferences were tallied. However the re-count will not consider any of Cr Christie’s votes or preferences. The Victorian Electoral Commission will now conduct a count back of votes from the 2012 municipal election. | The next highest vote getter – either Point Lonsdale businessman Greg Jones or Queenscliff resident Peter Russell – will be asked to take on the vacant role. The two unsuccessfully contested the election in a three-way ticket with Cr Christie. Mr Jones finished fourth after preferences were tallied. However the re-count will not consider any of Cr Christie’s votes or preferences. Should either candidate refuse the position a fresh election will be called to fill the position. Cr Christie underwent significant surgery late last year. He has been on formal leave of absence from Council since May. Certainly it is difficult for me personally to accept the fact that he has had to resign given his history in serving the community in a number of activities, be it sporting, be it business or be it tourism and particularly given the fact that he’s worked with the RSL in such a leadership role - as he did this year for the 100th celebration of Anzac Day,” said colleague Cr Bob Merriman. “To think that he can’t fulfill the last year of his role as Councillor mainly as a result of the activities that he undertook in serving this country in a foreign land, foreign war, it is certainly difficult to accept that a man of his quality has now had to come the conclusion that he can no longer serve on this Council. "I respect him greatly. I respect that he’s had the go within him to serve the community but I also respect the fact that he’s come to the conclusion that time has come and he’s needed to resign. “We will miss him and we wish him well,” Cr Merriman said. |