Launceston’s longest serving mayor will re-contest his position at the upcoming local government elections.
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Albert van Zetten announced his plan to stand for the position of mayor on Friday.
“I really believe that stability is important and after many conversations I realised I still had passion,” he said.
Alderman van Zetten has been Launceston’s mayor for nearly 11 years and has been in local government for 13 years.
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He said he had made it his life’s purpose to serve the city of Launceston in any way possible.
His last term as mayor has, arguably, been his busiest one, overseeing a number of significant projects for Launceston such as the City Deal, the UTAS Inveresk campus relocation and a number of others such as C. H Smith, the under-construction Riverbend Park and City Heart.
While he said sometimes the mayoral position could “feel like you’re on your own”, he had been heartened by a number of people who had called and asked him to stand again.
“I have had phone calls from the business community, and from other alderman, asking me to stand again.”
Alderman van Zetten will join Alderman Janie Finlay as announced candidates for the position of mayor.
Meanwhile, the race for deputy mayor is heating up, with Alderman Hugh McKenzie announcing his intention to run for the position also on Friday.
Mr McKenzie has described himself as “a man of action and accountability” who believes in strong leadership.
He has served on the City of Launceston council for seven years and said he was “committed and ready to be part of a strong leadership team to lead Launceston into the future”.
Alderman Rob Soward is the sitting deputy mayor, but has not confirmed plans to re-contest the position.
Other candidates for the role of deputy mayor include Alderman Danny Gibson and former Greens MP Andrea Dawkins.
Alderman Emma Williams will re-contest her position as a Greens candidate.
An election for the City of Launceston council will be held in October.