The rumours are rife and speculation is flying over who will snare Maitland’s top job and it seems former Member for Paterson Bob Baldwin, is a red hot favourite.
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The Mercury contacted Mr Baldwin yesterday after receiving several tips he would throw his hat in the ring for the position of mayor.
“Never say never,” Mr Baldwin said.
“I just had this discussion with someone else about ten minutes ago. I’ve heard I’m going to run for mayor of Newcastle, Port Stephens, mayor of Maitland, state seats. If I wanted to stay in politics I would have stayed in Federal Parliament,” he said.
While speculation is also rife incumbent Peter Blackmore will not contest the next election and retire, he continues to say he is keeping his options open.
Cr Blackmore could remain in the chair for another 12 months pending the State Government’s decision on council amalgamations and Maitland’s possible merge with Dungog Council.
One positive contender is independent councillor Philip Penfold who has confirmed he will be running for the mayor’s job.
Mr Baldwin’s Liberal colleague and Maitland deputy mayor Bob Geoghegan is also another possibility for the top job.
Cr Geoghegan has not announced that he will run for mayor but said he is considering a tilt at the position.
“For now i am having sometime to myself. I don’t suffer relevance deprivation syndrome,” Mr Baldwin said.
“I am about to head overseas to do some consultancy work and I’m very much enjoying doing my own thing as Bob Baldwin,” he said.
“I believe in the saying never say never but at this point in time I am enjoying the anonymity of being a private individual.
‘I’m not being dismissive of the role of mayor and I appreciate people putting my name forward as a worthwhile candidate but I may be disappointing them.
“At this stage I’ll support Bob Geoghegan,” he said.
Mr Baldwin announced his retirement from federal politics earlier this year.
The long serving member made the shock announcement prior to a Liberal Party meeting where it was understood he was to be endorsed as the party’s candidate for next month’s election.
Mr Baldwin said it had been an honour and a privilege to represent the community over so many terms and felt he had left a legacy of many successful projects after working in conjunction with the community and all levels of government.
He represented the Liberal Party in Paterson for 17 years.
