A SECOND councillor has stepped down from Mount Alexander Shire in less than seven months, with Jess Howard announcing her resignation on Thursday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Cr Howard – one of three Castlemaine Ward councillors – said a change in family circumstances and need to return to full-time work were behind her decision.
Her resignation followed that of Calder Ward councillor Tim Barber in February.
It will take effect from October 17.
Cr Howard was unavailable for comment yesterday but did issue a media statement.
She said had thoroughly enjoyed her role and experience as a councillor, from representing ratepayers in her Castlemaine Ward to advocating on a broad range of issues on behalf of the community.
“As a busy mum with five children, it’s been great to have the opportunity to pursue a part-time and flexible role as a councillor doing rewarding work to benefit our shire,” Cr Howard said.
“My decision to leave council is a result of changed family circumstances and the need for me to return to a full-time career.
“As much as I enjoy being a councillor, I am conscious of the challenges in balancing the demands of the role with full-time work and family responsibilities."
Cr Howard will take up an advocacy role in Bendigo’s legal industry.
She is council’s representative on several organisations, including the Mount Alexander Diggings Management Board, Mount Alexander Community Information Centre, Local Community Planning Project Management Group and the state’s key local government body, MAV.
More recently, Cr Howard has been busy advocating for improved passenger rail services on the Bendigo line.
Earlier this month she told the Bendigo Advertiser that she had fielded several complaints from Castlemaine commuters about increased travel times and timetabling issues.
The shire has requested an urgent meeting with Transport Minister Terry Mulder.