Community votes reveal contrasting confidence between Mornington Peninsula and Frankston councils
A community poll run by STPL News has revealed a sharp divide in how residents view their local council leaders. The informal survey — which closed this week — drew more than 3,600 votes across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston, providing a snapshot of public sentiment ahead of the next mayoral elections.
Read previous article: Who Would You Elect?
Mornington Peninsula: Max Patton Overwhelming Favourite, Anthony Marsh Extremely Unpopular, Paul Pingiaro Irrelevant
Poll reveals Max Patton as the overwhelming favourite. 
MPSC Rating 1 star 
Cr David Gill 
Cr Pingiaro 
Cr Anthony Marsh 
Cr Max Patton 
Cr Kate Roper
At the Mornington Peninsula Shire, Cr Max Patton dominated the “If It Were a Public Vote” poll, taking 57 per cent of the 1,217 votes.
Cr David Gill followed with 16 per cent, while current Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh attracted just 7 per cent. Cr Kate Roper received 6 per cent, and the remaining councillors shared the rest.
A separate satisfaction survey told an even clearer story. Of the 811 respondents, 78 per cent gave the current Mayor and Deputy Mayor the lowest possible rating, while only 12 per cent gave five stars.
The results suggest a major disconnect between the Shire’s leadership and its community — and little enthusiasm for either Marsh or his deputy, Paul Pingiaro, who rated as largely irrelevant in public responses.
Frankston City: Conroy Leads, Mayor and Deputy Retain Support
Quick poll shows Cr Steffie Conroy as number 1, followed by Cr Nathan Butler, Cr Kris Bolam and Cr Emily Green. 
Frankston 5 Star Rating 
Cr Steffie Conroy 
Cr Nathan Butler 
Cr Kris Bolam 
Cr Emily Green
In Frankston, Cr Steffie Conroy topped the poll comfortably with 44 per cent of 937 votes, followed by Cr Nathan Butler (16 per cent), Cr Kris Bolam (13 per cent), Cr Emily Green (10 per cent) and Cr Sue Baker (8 per cent).
A separate satisfaction poll of 682 participants painted a stronger picture for Frankston’s leadership team.
Fifty-seven per cent of respondents gave the Mayor and Deputy Mayor top marks, while 18 per cent were unhappy and 25 per cent rated them in the middle.
What Locals Are Saying
While the polls were informal and non-binding, they provide a sense of how residents feel about their councils.
Frankston locals appear generally happy with the council’s leadership and communication, while Mornington Peninsula residents have made it clear they’re looking for change — favouring councillors seen as approachable, independent and community-focused.
Mayoral Race: Pingiaro Expected to Step Up — But Marsh May Not Step Aside
With the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s mayoral election approaching, many expected Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro to move into the top job.
However, rumours are circulating that Anthony Marsh may seek another term — a move that could block Pingiaro’s progression.
Marsh, viewed by many as the driving force behind the so-called “bloc of six” councillors, still commands strong internal backing.
That support could be enough to keep him in power, even as his popularity among voters collapses.
Councillors will decide the outcome later this month when the internal vote takes place.
Reminder: This Poll Isn’t Official
The STPL News community polls are not official and have no impact on who becomes Mayor or Deputy Mayor.
Under Victorian local government law, both roles are chosen internally by councillors, not by public vote.
The surveys were created to gauge community sentiment and give locals an opportunity to share how they feel their councils are performing.
Polls Closed — Stay Connected
The polls have now closed, but STPL News will continue to run future surveys and public engagement opportunities.
To stay informed — or support independent local journalism — readers can subscribe or become a member of STPL News.
