Council
23 January, 2024
Choat steps up for mayor
Somerset Councillor Sean Choat has confirmed he will stand for election as Mayor at the local government elections to be held on March 16.
The councillor has received encouragement from across the community to step up to the Mayoral position, after the announcement Cr Graeme Lehmann will retire at the 2024 poll.
Cr Choat said he thinks Council needs to do some things better, naming road improvement, promoting the region for business and tourism, and supporting the important agriculture sector as his priorities.
“Ratepayers’ money must be spent wisely and Council must ensure residents get value for money in every Council decision,” he said.
He does, however, acknowledge Council had done some good work in its last term and is in sound financial shape.
“Having a strong balance sheet is important to keep rates under control, build and maintain infrastructure, as well as provide the facilities and services people want,” he said.
Cr Choat said he had been humbled by the community support he had received after announcing his stand for Mayor, being told to “go for it”.
“I think people are looking for leadership which puts community interests ahead of other agendas,” he said.
According to Cr Choat, he wants to be known as someone who makes things happen, wanting to focus on transparency and putting community needs forward without reservation.
Another priority he claims to have is to listen to the local residents, who have “plenty of good ideas”.
Cr Choat has served two terms as Councillor and, previously, as a State MP.
According to him, he has established a visible and regular presence across the region as Councillor, believing that listening and seeking feedback is the best way to move forward in the community interest.
“A vote for Choat is a vote for experience, energy and commitment to community,” he said.
