KRIS Bolam has been elected mayor of Frankston for the third time. The newly-elected Frankston Council was sworn in at a public meeting last Wednesday, 20 November. During that meeting Bolam was elected mayor, and first-time councillor Steffie Conroy was appointed deputy mayor.
Bolam says that over the next year, council will make cost-of-living a focus. “As candidates during the election campaign, we heard loud and clear the impact that rising costs have had on households in our community,” he said. “Council will explore options to help alleviate those pressures, stimulate increased investment and ensure continued services for those experiencing severe hardship.”
Bolam says that as mayor he will “ensure that good governance, transparency and informed decision-making underpin everything we do as councillors, and that our community enjoys the strong leadership and advocacy it deserves.” “As someone who has worked closely with the community over many years, I’ve long known how much potential Frankston City holds for those who choose to live, work or invest in our municipality,” he said. “Through the revitalisation of our CBD already underway, the continued delivery of major community infrastructure projects, and the ongoing beautification of our city, we can now fulfil that potential and become Victoria’s number one place to live, work and play.”
Although Steffie Conroy is serving her first term as a councillor, she is a familiar face in the Frankston Council chambers. She is married to former Frankston mayor Nathan Conroy, who did not contest the council election. He is the preselected Liberal candidate for Dunkley. The new deputy mayor said “with Frankston experiencing unprecedented change and growth, it’s a fantastic time to take on the role of deputy mayor, and I look forward to working with the mayor and councillors to help shape our future in the interests of all in our community.”
Councillor Sue Baker also put her hand up for the mayor role, but was defeated 7-2. Her candidacy was supported by Brad Hill.
First published in the Frankston Times – 26 November 2024