'Major shake-up': Councillors circle top spot as lord mayor bows out

Anna Reynolds was elected to the role in November 2018. (Facebook: Anna Reynolds) Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds will not seek re-election, opening the race for Hobart's top local government role. Multiple elected members have already voiced their hopes to succeed her, promising to heal a chamber that some describe as "toxic". Tasmanians will vote in local government elections in October. Link copiedShareShare articleFor years, Hobart City Council meetings have generated headlines for all the wrong reasons — from arguments over missing snacks to bitter personal attacks. But as the Tasmanian capital prepares to elect a new council in October, the Town Hall is heading towards what could be its biggest shake-up in a while. Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds has announced she will not seek re-election after eight years in the ceremonial chains, while the number of elected members will shrink from 12 to nine. The council area takes in Hobart's CBD as well as several surrounding suburbs. (ABC News: Jacinta Bos ) The council has made a range of major decisions under the leadership of Councillor Reynolds, including initiatives to reduce the amount of short-stay accommodation in the city and encourage medium-density development. It has also established multiple major cycling lanes through Hobart's CBD, progressed plans for a transport hub at the foot of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington and supported expansion of the River Derwent ferry program. The race to replace Cr Reynolds is underway, with several councillors vying for the top job and promising to heal a chamber which some have described as "toxic" and "challenging". Speaking to 936 ABC Hobart, Cr Reynolds said her focus as lord mayor had been creating a council that was more "innovative, ambitious and modern". Anna Reynolds (pictured fourth from left) was first elected as an alderman to the City of Hobart in 2014. (ABC News: Ros Lehman) She said, while you "can't please all of the people all of the time", she had worked hard to both follow her convictions and listen to good advice. "With the elections coming up, we do need good people to keep running," Cr Reynolds said. Outgoing lord mayor Anna Reynolds has accepted a role at not-for-profit Global Solar Council. (ABC News: Peter Curtis) There is still plenty of time for candidates to put their hand up for the position, but here is what we know so far: Bill Harvey will run under the banner of the Tasmanian Greens. (ABC News: Sophie Jaggers ) Three sitting council members have confirmed they will run for the lord mayor role: Ryan Posselt, Bill Harvey and Louise Bloomfield. Councillor John Kelly, who ran closest to Cr Reynolds in the previous election, said he had received "so many calls" urging him to put himself forward, though he remained undecided. A similar stance is held by Alderman Marti Zucco, who says he is still "considering the situation". Louise Bloomfield has confirmed her intention to contest the lord mayor role. (ABC News: Luke Bowden) Councillor Louise Elliot will challenge Zelinda Sherlock for her position as deputy lord mayor, meaning neither will join the contest for the top spot. Councillor Ben Lohberger said it was unlikely that he would run for lord mayor, while Gemma Kitsos is not seeking re-election. Councillors Will Coats and Mike Dutta did not respond to the ABC's request for comment. Members of the public may also throw their hat in the ring, but some may find it difficult to compete against established councillors due to name recognition. Ryan Posselt is one of three sitting councillors so far to raise their hand for the role. (ABC News: Luke Bowden) The current council has, at times, seen a fierce divide across the chamber between two unofficial factions. The larger of the groups — which includes the current lord mayor — is generally considered to be progressive and more left-leaning. This has occasionally drawn the ire of the smaller, more conservative faction. Social media spats between councillors have been a regular occurrence, and multiple elected members have been suspended due to conduct issues. Whoever is elected lord mayor will be responsible for chairing council meetings. They will therefore play a big role in keeping the chamber under control. Louise Elliot received a seven-day suspension after being sanctioned for social media posts she made about another elected member. (ABC News: Luke Bowden) The task of improving councillor dynamics has been raised as a key focus for all those tipped to run for the role. "The council needs a major shake-up," Cr Kelly said. "The chamber's divided — it's a toxic culture that's been up there in the council, particularly for the past four years. "There's a chance now for a complete reboot of council and the opportunity for some collegiality among the elected members." Cr Harvey, who is running under the Tasmanian Greens banner, said the issue of toxic culture needed to be addressed as a priority. "That's something that has to h

'Major shake-up': Councillors circle top spot as lord mayor bows out

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