For bemused locals, council election proves a mayor’s nest

I SHOULDN’T have asked the question. Everyone stared, their fine cutlery frozen in their hands mid-air, noses slightly crinkled. Had I said something wrong? The wet, grinding sound of teeth chewing through chops replaced what had been— until this point— a delightful dinner conversation.

Perhaps they had been confused about the context of the word Fagg?

Then someone finally spoke. And he admitted, bashfully, that he wasn’t actually quite sure what I was talking about. No one my age — outside of this paper — seemed to know a thing about the upcoming mayoral election, let alone that they were supposed to cast a vote this week.

Murmurs of local elections were often met with a confused head tilt.

‘‘ Who’s John Mitchell?’’ one university- educated, full- time worker and lifelong Bellarine Peninsula resident said.

‘‘I didn’t know we had a mayor. What do they do?’’ another asked.

A 60-something doctor also admitted, over lamb cutlets and salad, that neither he nor his wife were aware of the elections.

Age is clearly not the problem. Intelligence, gender, occupation, and connection to the Geelong region likewise don’t seem to be defining factors.

It must be that the work of past mayors has gone unnoticed by many. This year’s candidates — even the elusive John Smith — are skilled in gaining attention, but that obviously doesn’t work long term.

It’s not about getting your mug in the paper, cuddling babies, or making grand promises.

It’s not about talking. It’s about listening; then, taking those ideas and translating them into action.

No one should be left asking ‘‘So what does the mayor actually do?’’

Because, when you can’t think of the answer, it really does make for awkward dinner conversation.