Slater confirms third attempt at mayoral office

Bunbury's mayoral race is heating up as longstanding councillor Ross Slater announces he will run for the top job in next year’s election.

Cr Slater is the third candidate to confirm plans to run — he will be up against retired vet Alan McGregor and Mayor David Smith, who will be seeking a third term.

Speaking exclusively to the South Western Times, Cr Slater described himself as a ‘‘credible alternative’’.

‘‘I am experienced, having served three terms on council, I am apolitical, multi-tasked and have the support of the moral majority,’’ he said.

Cr Slater said as mayor he would reinitiate a city vision, promote Bunbury as the City of Six Waters— ocean, harbour, inlet, bay, estuary and river— look to develop a world-class marina at the Outer Harbour and redevelop of the CBD around people, accommodation and foreshore concepts.

Cr Slater has had two previously unsuccessful attempts at winning the mayoral office.

‘‘Had I not previously run for mayor, there would not have been an election as nobody else was prepared to put up against Ern Manea,’’ he said.

‘‘His 336 votes more than mine, out of about 9000 at manned polling stations, not postal voting, proved voters prefer not only a choice but an alternative.’’

Rumours former City of Bunbury chief executive Gary Brennan would run for mayor next year were neither confirmed or denied by Mr Brennan who told the Times ‘‘a lot can happen in a year’’.

A number of other councillors told the Times they may throw their hat in the ring, including Brendan Kelly, Michelle Steck, Neville McNeill, Murray Cook and Karen Steele.