Plenty for voters to ponder

COWIE voters will go to the polls with interesting choices, with the incumbent confronted by a qualified challenger and a man offering a sustainability focus.

Cr Eddy Kontelj returns with hopes of re- election, having offered a far steadier reign in the past two years, focusing locally and on the multicultural portfolio.

Also back from the 2010 by-election is Josie Puglia, who again directs her preferences to Cr Kontelj.

Leading the three competitors is former deputy mayor and councillor Anthony Aitken who, after more than a decade out of politics, is standing again.

Mr Aitken is just 42 but his experience with public office goes back more than 20 years; he has won three elections, in the now-defunct Corio Shire in 1992, followed by successes in Geelong in 1995 (Kildare) and 1998 (District).

His connection with the northern suburbs goes back even further, to his father Bill, a Ford worker, trade unionist and fellow councillor from 1998 to 2001.

Mr Aitken Sr l ost to Labor’s David Saunderson in the Cowie election of 2001, with his son defeated by Stretch Kontelj in Kildare in the same poll.

Mr Aitken has preferential support f rom Geelong Sustainability Group president Dave Campbell and Heather-Lee Neil.

While a proven votewinner, and back on a favourable working- class patch, what impact will the passing of time have on Mr Aitken’s chances?

Cowie voters have historically been loyal and consistent, delivering Mr Saunderson the seat three times before his disqualification from council.

Cr Kontelj, who was second in the 2008 general poll, was victorious in the 2010 by-election.

How much was he aided by the 2010 ‘‘punishment’’ vote? Will those Labor voters who favoured him return to their roots? Is Cowie ready to embrace a ‘‘green’’ vote in Mr Campbell?

There are intriguing factors at play.