By Jeremy Cook
Outgoing Southern Downs Councillor Marco Gliori has opened up on his decision to not recontest next month’s council election, revealing a major health scare which resulted in his temporary loss of life.
Cr Gliori was a notable omission on the final list of election candidates which was confirmed for voters at midday on 13 February.
In a post to social media, the one term councillor and bush poet opened up on his decision to not recontest his seat, saying he had “always followed his instincts”.
“It is with deep gratitude that I thank the residents of the Southern Downs and Granite Belt for the privilege of serving as your elected official for the last four years,” Cr Gliori wrote.
“I have decided not to run for re-election.
“For the past four years, mustering in the boardroom and offering direction and vision to the business of your Council has been a time-consuming but immensely rewarding role.”
Cr Gliori said he had spent six months recovering from a blood clot called a random pulmonary embolism.
“Last year I also suffered a random pulmonary embolism, died for 3 minutes, and was resuscitated by my wife and son-in-law,” he said.
“After a short hospital stay and now six months of recuperation I have fully recovered and have an abundance of energy.
“I filled out my candidate nomination forms but simply could not hand them in.
“I have always followed my instincts and cannot deny my playful spirit’s call to continue down the road less travelled.”
A famed wordsmith prior to entering local government, Cr Gliori put his poetry career on hold to run for councillor in the 2020 council elections. He said it was time to “reconnect” with his passion for performance poetry.
“During my term, I have especially relished my advocacy for arts and culture, discovering so many wonderful performers, artisans, and local characters, while supporting those groups who proudly promote and care for the landscapes and waterways that sustain us,” he said.
“Even though I have enjoyed the role of councillor, it is time to pursue various business and personal projects.”
