Libs Drop Eaton To No 2 Spot
Central Coast Herald
Monday December 22, 2003
IN a major local Liberal Party upheaval, long-serving Wyong Shire councillor Doug Eaton has been relegated to the No 2 spot on the party's A Ward ticket for the March local government elections.
Toukley businessman Ron Stevens, a surf life saving stalwart, has claimed the No 1 spot.
Cr Eaton is a former Wyong Shire mayor and has spearheaded council debate for the Liberals.
But a recent disagreement with the party locally may have led to his downgrading. Cr Eaton had suggested that the local party's pre-selection process was flawed.
Last week he tried to defuse the issue with a statement retracting comments about the Liberal Party's inner workings and apologising for his comments.
Mr Stevens, 62, is seen by insiders as a strong community voice, being a life member of The Lakes Surf Club and of the Central Coast Surf Life Saving branch.
He is also a former member of the Toukley-Norah Head volunteer bushfire brigade.
Cr Eaton could not be contacted yesterday. But But council colleague Cr Brenton Pavier, 43, who will be the B Ward No 1 choice on the Liberal council ticket, said he did not know what decision Cr Eaton would take on his future.
``I'm not sure if he will remain with the Liberal Party or instead run for council independently as head of the Save Tuggerah Lakes party," he said.
``Only Cr Eaton would know that and I understand he is most disappointed, but at the same time, very accepting of the fact that a democratic vote was taken by the pre-selectors."
Nine branches, as well as State executive members, comprise the Liberal party machine in the Wyong Shire.
Meanwhile, Mr Stevens, who is a former cottage builder and now a motor trimmer business owner, was noncommittal about Cr Eaton's position.
``But I'm honoured to have been selected number one and I'll strive to bring more harmony into council ranks," he said.
© 2003 Central Coast Herald