THE IMPENDING Wattle Range Council election race has become even tighter, with ex-councillor Dennis Muhovics throwing his hat into the ring.
Mr Muhovics will seek a second term on council when a vacancy for Corcoran Ward opens due to deputy Mayor Glenn Brown’s decision to resign.
The former councillor and one-time mayoral hopeful will be joined by Tantanoola farmer Klaus Emmerich and Millicent business identity Nicole Looby-McRostie on the ballot.
At the 2014 election, Mr Muhovics received 432 first preference votes, which was higher than incumbent councillors John Drew, Sharon Cox, Glenn Brown and Gwenda Lawlor.
After serving one four-year term on council, Mr Muhovics attempted a tilt at the mayoral position at last year’s local government elections, but was unsuccessful against former police officer Des Noll OAM.
Mr Muhovics said he has still kept an interest in council and believed he “still had a bit to offer”.
“I am still interested in council and there are some issues, including the Millicent Saleyards and the Community Club that I have an interest in,” he said.
He said there was “no hard feelings” as a result of the defeat, saying he looked forward to working alongside the new mayor and council on a number of priority projects if elected.
“I am keen to get the Domain finished and there is no reason why it cannot be done quickly,” he said.
“Council has the $400,000 grant and I think we should get on with it.”
Mr Muhovics said council’s proposed $3.5m redevelopment of new offices as “needing a bit more investigation”.
“You have to be very careful and mindful of that sort of expenditure when you are building new things, because they always blow out,” he said.
The resignation of Cr Brown is yet to be put in writing and so the dates of the nomination process and postal supplementary election are yet to be determined.
