Is it the worry of Thursday’s election which has turned his hair prematurely grey? In fact, the bushes are stick-on and false.

But on Thursday he and Deputy Mayor Carol Sparks are expected to face-off in the monthly council meeting for the top job.

He and his rival were asked by The Examiner to write an article on what they offer as mayor. Both were made an identical request simultaneously.

Cr Toms’ contribution is in the paper published today (Tuesday). Carol Sparks said she wouldn’t comment.

He said: “Financial discipline is essential to ensure that Council reduces its infrastructure backlog so that all roads and other services can be brought up to standard. Our Council must continue to make tough financial decisions and as such, Councillors are the Governing Body of a significant local organisation.”

The procedure on Thursday is for Mayor Toms to open the meeting with the usual formalities and then hand over to General Manager Hein Basson to conduct the election.

Councillors have to decide whether it would be “open voting” – that is, a show of hands – or an “ordinary ballot” – that is, votes on paper and secret.

Invariably, in the past it’s been a secret ballot. The deputy mayor is then elected.

Once the result is known, the winner conducts the rest of the meeting. 

At the moment, Carol Sparks seems to have the numbers. 

It’s been hard fought, often bitter, particularly on social media.

Some business people wrote to The Examiner praising Cr Toms’ “ability, experience and vision”. But another, Sue Waters of Carelles, praised Cr Sparks: “I have talked to her and find her to be a sensible woman with good ideas who cares about the problems facing Glen Innes.”

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