MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council has elected Cr Stephen Batty as its new mayor, after a dramatic contest for the top job. The councillor group regrouped last Tuesday (16 June) after the earlier attempt to elect a new mayor to replace Anthony Marsh ended in a deadlocked five-all vote (No new mayor as vote deadlocked, The News 9/6/26). Trying for a second meeting to elect a mayor, the chair, shire CEO Mark Stoermer, called for nominations. Cr Bruce Ranken nominated Cr Paul Pingiaro and Cr Max Patton nominated Cr Kate Roper. Given the opportunity to address councillors, Pingiaro spoke first. “I…
Monday, July 13
