Questions are being asked about whether defeated Liberal candidate Stephanie Asher should return to her position as Mayor of Geelong after a series of campaign bungles left many voters fuming.
Ms Asher stepped aside from her mayoral duties to devote her time to fighting to unseat Labor MP Libby Coker in the federal seat of Corangamite.
Her decision not to resign from her council position saw Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan elevated to Acting Mayor – a role in which he thrived.
Social media has been flooded with comments calling on Stephanie Asher not to return to the $120,000 a year job.
“She was willing to leave the mayor job so why should she go back now?” asked Michel on Facebook.
“Should not be allowed to return as Mayor as she thought more of her political ambitions than she did of us ratepayers….time to go Stephanie,” wrote Sandy.
Many comments cited the deployment of Ms Asher’s campaign trucks around Anzac Day services as a major issue.
“She lost it Anzac Day. Especially after she said a mistake was made, but it’s not my fault,” said Mel.
Some comments accused Asher of using her council position to position herself for a run at federal politics.
Others criticised her for her refusal to appear at community forums.
Rebecca was among the few to support Asher on Geelong Broadcasters’ social media.
“She is actually a really nice person who’s invested a lot of time into the community long before she was in politics.. so unfortunately it has happened to a really nice person,” Rebecca said.
Ms Asher took leave of absence from her Mayoral duties and was not paid during the federal campaign.
There is no legal impediment to her returning to the job.
Picture: Stephanie Asher [Geelong Broadcasters]
