City’s mayor eyes run for third term

Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington has set his sights on a third term in local government, with more to achieve on his agenda.

Mr Wellington’s term wearing the mayoral chain is due to expire in 2019, but he has given an early indication he may throw his hat in the ring again.

The former Albany deputy mayor was elected to the position in 2011 after defeating incumbent Milton Evans.

He retained his place in 2015 in a contest against city planner Neil Smithson.

The Anzac centenary commemorations and the refurbishment of Stirling Terrace and York Street are some of the projects Mr Wellington highlights among his achievements to date but he said there was still more to be done.

“If I think there is still things we need to do then there is certainly a possibility of continuing past that, yes,” he said.

“There are a few things we need to finish off, we need to finish off those sporting facilities at Centennial Park that we started and the refurbishment to the town hall and Alison Hartman Gardens is another project which beautifies the centre of town. We really need to make sure Albany is a success into the future, but making sure at the same time we conserve the ideology and the history that Albany has and which make it such a great place to live.”

Despite a serious health scare last year, Mr Wellington said he was doing “pretty good” at the moment and it shouldn’t impede his decision to renominate.

“You make that decision when it comes up, around about that time,” he said.

Mr Wellington’s frank interview with the Albany Advertiser comes ahead of the local government elections on October 21.

Councillors Ray Hammond, Carolyn Dowling, Janelle Price, Nicolette Mulcahy, Alison Goode and Rob Sutton’s terms are set to expire.

Nominations for the six positions open on September 7.