Early start to race for mayor

RETIRED real estate agent Jim Elliott is the first candidate to publicly state their intention to contest the position of mayor of the Derwent Valley at this year's local government elections. Mr Elliott, 62, first arrived in the municipality in 1980 and operated several successful businesses before being elected to the Derwent Valley Council in 2007. Deputy Mayor Scott Shaw is also expected to throw his hat into the ring but the incumbent, Tony Nicholson, has not yet made his intentions known.

Mr Elliott told the NNNews that he was now retired from full-time work and was available to serve the community that he had supported over the years and which had supported him. He describes himself as street smart and business savvy. With myriad business and organisational achievements, he highlights the founding of Derwent Real Estate in 2002, his presidency of the Derwent Valley Chamber of Commerce and Industry, chairmanship of the New Norfolk Business Alliance and leadership of the New Norfolk Tourism Association as some of his major accomplishments.

Mr Elliott is a qualified Reiki master teacher and has travelled widely to places including New Zealand, Fiji, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia. With his wife Ally, he lives in his new home near Bridgewater but still has commercial and residential interests in New Norfolk including his Isle Store Self Storage business.

An invitation is extended to all intending candidates for any position on the Derwent Valley Council to email their details and a photo to newnorfolknews@gmail.com