Ivan Dean
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Ivan Noel Dean is the Mayor of the Launceston City Council, in Tasmania and member of the Tasmanian Legislative Council or upper house; in the electoral division of Windermere.
Dean was elected to mayor of the Launceston city council, on the 31st of October 2005. However this was not without controversy. He is currently facing bribery charges having breached provisions laid down by the Australian Electoral Commission.
Dean has faced criticism that it is 'irresponsible' to hold two positions in two separate government branches (member of the legislative council and mayor). He also then receives two salaries. To counter these claims, Ivan Dean said "If successful I will donate the mayoral salary to charities and youth activities" [1]. This statement was made during the 2005 mayoral election campaign, and under election laws represents 'an inducement or bribe in exchange for votes'. Thus he is currently being prosecuted [2] and will re-appear in court in May, 2006.
In the October Launceston City Council elections; Ivan defeated incumbent Mayor Janie Dickenson. This was some what unexpected. On the first day of vote counting The Examiner local newspaper ran a front page headline claiming that Janie Dickenson was in front by 2000 votes and would secure her position as Mayor and Alderman. However, by the next day, Ivan had made a comeback and won by just 400 votes. As other Alderman candidates failed to secure positions on the council, Dean received their preferences (see single transferable vote).
After becoming Mayor, Dean's supporters, including President of the Tasmanian Legislative Council Don Wing, say they believe him capable of holding both positions. Dean praised ex-mayor Janie Dickenson's achievements but acknowledged there was 'much work to be done'. Some in the community praised him as a man that follows up on inquiries. He recently suggested that councils in the north should consider merging or at least sharing resources more cooperatively.
