The president of the Local Government Association of Tasmania has announced his is temporarily stepping down from the role, as he is standing as a candidate in the Pembroke by-election.
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Mayor Doug Chipman said he will not complete his duties as LGAT president until the by-election is determined.
In the interim LGAT’s Vice President, Mayor Darryl Quilliam, will be Acting President.
“Given the current political environment, Doug felt his candidature was incompatible with his role as spokesperson for LGAT and therefore he decided to step aside as LGAT President for the remainder of the campaign,” Cr Quilliam said.
Cr Chipman said his decision was made due to the intensity of the Pembroke campaign.
“Some of the issues encroach on my normal role as a spokesman for local gov in Tasmania, therefore my continued role as president was inappropriate,” he said.
Cr Chipman also responded to criticism from Liberal Party state director Sam McQuestin, who questioned why the mayor would keep his title at Clarence City Council.
“If I was successful and I stepped down as mayor it would be cost of $160.000 to Clarence residents for the sake four or five months it just seems to make sense,” Cr Chipman said.
Local government elections are scheduled for October 2018 and as parliament does not sit during Christmas, Cr Chipman said he thought it would be an unnecessary cost to ratepayers.
“But if elected I will step down from being mayor as soon as practicable.”